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THE PIPES ARE CALLING ALL FAMILIES TO THE 15TH ANNUAL
LOCH NORMAN HIGHLAND GAMES AT RURAL HILL
HUNTERSVILLE, NC: The pipes are calling for fun April 18-20, 2008 at Rural Hill with the 15th Annual Loch Norman Highland Games. You don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy the food, fun and camaraderie of competition. Executive Director Ed McLean says, “There is something for everyone whether they want to watch the competitions and demonstrations, or if they want to participate in the Amateur Athletics on the Field.” Ticket prices vary from $8 to $20 depending on the day or activities selected. Advance discount tickets are available for purchase online, or tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the Games. McLean continues with a smile, “The event will take place rain or shine. There is no such thing as bad weather, only improper clothing.” On-site camping is also available for the weekend. Please visit www.ruralhill.net for full event schedules and additional information.
The weekend begins with music and The Call o’ the Clans on Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday, registration opens early for the day’s Amateur Athletic Competitions including the Battle Axe Competition, Climbing Wall, Highland Wrestling, Long Bow Archery Competition, Heavy Stone Lift & Carry, and the Children’s Field Competitions like the Kilted Mile for Lads & Lassies. Demonstrations include Pipe Band Competitions, the Individual Piping & Drumming Competition, Highland Dancing -The Carolina’s Open Championships, Scottish Heavy Athletics - Professional Competition, and the Scottish Fiddle Workshop & Competition. Other demonstrations include Scottish & Celtic music, the Entertainment Tent, Scottish Country Dancing, Historic Folk Life Encampment, Scottish American Military Society, 78th Fraser’s Highlanders, Dr. Ben Roy Ousley with his Border Collies, Flora MacDonald Gammon’s singing, storytelling and crafts, and the Highland Cows and other livestock.
Professional Scottish Heavy Events include Clachneart (16lb Stone), 22 lb Hammer Throw, 28 lb Weight Throw, 56 lb Weight Throw, 56 lb Weight Toss for Height, Turning the Caber, and Tossing the Sheaf (16 lb Sheaf). Note: Professional athletes are by invitation only. McLean looks forward to the professional events and notes, “You never know what world record you might see made at the Loch Norman Highland Games. In 2005, hometown favorite Eric Frasure broke the World Record in the 56 lb Weight Throw for Distance at 49 feet, 8 inches, surpassing Scottish Pro Athlete, Ryan Vierra. In 2006, Frasure broke the World Record for amateur athletes by throwing the Hammer a distance of 122 feet and 10 inches. He only missed the mark for a Professional in the United States competitions by 2 inches.”
The origin of the Highland Games is firmly rooted in Scottish legend and in records going back some 1000 years, it is apparent that the arts of war formed the basis of many of the early gatherings. The Games were the best way to find and recruit the most exceptional athletes or warriors to improve the strength of the army. Today there is a resurgence of interest and enthusiasm toward Scottish Games across the United States. In the Southeast alone, more than 20 Games have developed, some which have been going for more than 50 years!
For advance discount tickets and complete Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill information, visit www.ruralhill.net. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate as follows:
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Friday Evening Call o’ the Clans General Admission: $8 includes parking
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Friday Evening Buffet: $13 (Children 9 & under: $5)
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Friday Evening Scottish Country Welcome Dance (at Hopewell Presbyterian Church): Gallery: $3/Participant: $15
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Saturday Games: $15 (Children 10-17: $5/Children 9 and under free)
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Saturday Evening Celtic Entertainment/Saturday Nite Live at Rural Hill: $10
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Sunday Games: $10 (Children 10-17: $5/Children 9 and under free)
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NOTE: Saturday & Sunday Parking: $5 (supports Huntersville Lions Club and Rural Hill, and includes one commemorative program per car valued at $5)
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Saturday Evening Scottish Country Dancing Gala (at Hopewell Presbyterian Church): Gallery: $3/Participant: $20
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Rural Hill is
located at 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078.
The former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson, the 265 acre site is
maintained and promoted by The Catawba Valley Scottish Society (CVSS).
Rural Hill features annual events such as The Lock Norman Highland Games,
The Amazing Maize Maze, The Spirit of the Hornet’s Nest (battle
reenactments) and The Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials. CVSS is a non-profit
organization supported through membership and donations. For more
information on events or for financial support accepted securely online,
please visit
www.ruralhill.net.
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