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Highland games have been a part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years. They are every bit as popular today as they’ve ever been, maybe even more so.
The Highland games are usually a one day event taking place outdoors. They are built around traditional Highland sports, like the hammer throw and tug o’ war. Highland games also include Highland dancing and music. Family fun is a part of the games with delicious food, craft stalls and games. Livestock events and parades may also be included.
Scots love the Highland games so much that when they moved to other countries, they took the games with them. Highland games first took place in America in 1836.
Wisconsin’s first and oldest traditional Highland games are in Milwaukee. This year the Highland games will be happening on Saturday, June 3, at Croatian Park. Get your kilt and get ready to head out to the games!
The Heavy Events Competition at the games will include
- Standing Heavy Stone Putt
- Open Light Stone Putt
- Heavy Weight Toss Over The Bar
- Heavy Weight Throw For Distance
- Light Weight Throw For Distance
- Light Scottish Hammer Throw
- Heavy Scottish Hammer Throw
- Caber Tern
There will be entertainment throughout the day. You can enjoy spectacular Bagpipes Bands. The games will showcase piping and drumming.
The Caledonian Dancers will be there performing with the pipers and drummers. There will be a dance competition for soloists divided into age groups. Medals and trophies will be given to the winners.
A Ceilidh is a traditional Gaelic social dance that originated in Scotland and Ireland. Ceilidh dancers will be performing at the Tim Young Pub Stage, beginning at 10 am and going until 8:45 pm.
Scottish Blackface sheep and sheepdogs will also be at the games.
Vendors
There will be vendors at the Highland games. The vendors are selected on the basis of their originality and quality. Vending is by invitation only and the vendors include
- Dark River Pottery
- Celtic Sea
- Weather Tight
- Lilla Rose
- DOT Armory
- Classic Irish Imports
- Wood & Flora
- Everdry Waterproofing
- Irish Collection
- Third Eye Fern
- Nancy’s Sweet Nothings
- Mystic Ireland
- Universal Windows Direct
- Famile Online Bakery
- Tralee Irish Shop
- Kilteddad Blacksmith
- The Highland Trading Company
- MRM Home Improvement
- Inverness Capes & Celtic Crafts
Scottish Food
And you can expect to find fantastic Scottish food at the Highland games. Food vendors will be there, including
- McBob’s
- Uyghr Grill
- Steve’s Lemonade
- EZ Tiki
- Travelin’ Nut
- Ram & Poni
- Colonel’s Kettle Corn
If you enjoyed the food at the Highland games and would like to learn more about Scottish cooking, try these cookbooks. Use our links to see how you can save money on them.
- The Hebridean Bakery: My Scottish Island Kitchen by Coinneach MacLeod
- Aran: Recipes & Stories from a Bakery in the Heart of Scotland by Flora Sheddon
- Taste of Scotland by Carol Wilson and Christopher Trotter
- A Wee Scottish Cookbook by Cristine Eastin
Scottish Clothing
If you’d like to go to the Highland games and want to dress the part, use our links to find clothes for this Scottish festival.
And see kilts for women here.
And get kilts for men here.
Milwaukee Hotels
If you’d like to visit Milwaukee for the Highland games, you should consider the following hotels. They have discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
