


Currently, games are held in at least seven other Florida communities, including Dunedin on the west coast, which boasts one of the largest and longest-running games in the state.Īnd it’s not just brawny lads competing events are open to lasses - Gourlay’s own daughter, Lisa, a regular competitor, is one of a dozen women competing - and to seniors. Bagpipes from Gainesville, FL (120 miles from Florida) The Great Highland Bagpipes are sure to pull the heartstrings and make your event even more memorable. Scots who emigrated to the United States eventually resurrected the practice, particularly in Southeastern states where many eventually settled. to the first runner to make it to the top of Craig Choinich, one of the mountains above Braemar, and return to the starting point.” It is said he offered a purse of gold and a fine sword. “The clan chiefs would hold competitions to determine the strongest warrior to be their bodyguards,” he adds.Ĭanmore, according to Michael Brander’s “The Essential Guide to Highland Games,” “organized one of the first races run for this purpose. The games, Gourlay says, go back nearly 1,000 years to Malcolm Canmore, a leader of the Celt people living in the highlands of Scotland.

Each competitor must participate in all events the one with the highest overall score is declared champion of the field. While the day is a gathering of the clans, the chief draw tends to be the seven events of the athletic games. The gates open at 8 a.m., with competitions - solo bagpiping, drumming and athletic events - beginning an hour later. Browse the Listings in Ocala, Florida below or Search for exactly what you are looking for. Listen to audio samples, view pictures and video on local profiles. Gate admission is cash only, no plastic, Gourlay emphasizes. As a proven leader in online music services, has the Dobro player you are looking for in Ocala. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the gate children 12 and younger get in free. Here, a family of four or five or six or seven can have a good day quite reasonably.” Look at the price to go to Disney or Universal or other theme parks they’re sky-high. “It’s a good family event,” Gourlay says. And there are bagpipers, drummers, dancers and 15 clans and societies committed to coming.īut they’d all like to have join them others who are Scottish, wish they were Scottish or plan to be Scottish for the day.
