A FREE Daily Visitor Guide for the North Carolina Mountains and 50+ NC Mountain Cities: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games this Week

Monday, July 9, 2012

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games this Week

July 12-15 The 57th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O' Scottish Clans Join 1000s of Scots in 85 clans decked out in their finest plaid for the annual celebration of Scottish heritage. Live Celtic music, tradition heritage events and Highlands games. New this year is a Saturday night Celtic Rock Concert.

Opening day events include The Bear: Assault on Grandfather, a five-mile footrace climbing 1,568 feet in elevation from the town of Linville to the summit of Grandfather mountain. Over 800 runners will start up the Old Yonahlossee Road from Linville at 7 PM, circle the Highland Games track around 7:15, and head up the Grandfather Mountain summit road.

Throughout the weekend activities include: traditional Celtic music, sheep herding, athletic competitions, music and dance exhibits, History & Genealogy Studies, Children's Tent and Field Activities, harp workshops and more.

On Sunday there will be a 9 AM Scottish Worship Service Outside main gate. Bring a folding chair. The service ncludes Kirkin' of the Tartans. The day continues with the Children's Border Collie Demonstration on the main field and Celtic Grove Entertainment begins.

Guests of Honor and Distinguished Guests are introduced as all members of the sponsoring clans are invited to march in the Parade of Tartans behind the massed pipe bands. Additional events for the afternoon are: the Scottish Fiddling Competition and the Atlantic International Highland Dance Championship Competition.

Competitions take place throughout the Games for Scottish athletic events, sheep herding, kilted miles, children's events, Scottish country dancing, Scottish harps and Clan Tugs-of-War.

Get a link for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and other things to do in the NC mountains on the NC Events Calendar

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