The 46th Savannah Scottish Games will be held May 4, 2024, at Bethesda Academy. As you enter the beautiful grounds overlooking the Moon River, be prepared to spend the day enjoying entertainment for the entire family. Heavy Athletes who like to throw heavy things compete in seven events, including the famous Caber Toss. Next, take in the ScotDance Southeast Regional Highland Dance Championships at the dance venue in the morning where the Premier U.S. Highland dancers in the southeast compete for slots at the nationals, while demonstrating the strength and beauty of this ancient method of testing warriors’ stamina and agility before and after battle. The afternoon Pre-Premier Highland Dance Competition provides an opportunity to see the younger dancers and those at various levels as they are evaluated on three major criteria: timing, technique and deportment.
Pipe and drum competitions return to Savannah this year. The thrilling and haunting music of the bagpipe is the soul of Scotland. Coupled with the drums, their sounds become even more enthralling.
Phenomenal performances
Music lovers can also enjoy phenomenal performances by bands including North of Argyll, Lochlann, Junkfield and Monkey Stew (Stewart & Winfield, Junkyard Angel, Monkey Man: A Stones Band). North of Argyll plays upbeat Celtic fusion music with great visual delivery and retelling of the history of the stories behind the songs. Lochlann sings and harmonizes Celtic songs accompanied by fiddles, recorders, flutes, guitars, and the bodhran. There are many activities for the wee ones. They may encounter Zephyr, a mythical fairy, and then listen to a wide selection of Scottish tales by a famed storyteller. Children can also participate in golf, hockey, a sheaf toss, caber toss, haggis hurl, stone throw, welly toss, and a sack race. A children’s kilted run is held on the athletic field. Lads and lassies are also offered a Games Passport at the front gate to be redeemed for a prize at the information tent.
The Birds of Prey and the Border Collies are always crowd favorites! The Shire of Fort Castle makes history come alive through medieval activities, such as armed combat, dance, and juggling You can learn ancient arts like calligraphy, armoring, and Metalworking. Visit Clan Non Con & The Highland Independent Company of Darien portraying Scottish Highlanders of the 1736-1746 era who were some of the best soldiers in the world! If you’ve ever wondered if you have a bit of the Scots in you or are interested in a specific clan or clans, visit the many clan tents surrounding the Scottish Games arena. You can also ask the genealogists at the genealogy tent to help trace your family tree. The Savannah Scottish Games also has food and beverage vendors who offer traditional Scottish foods, American foods, sweets, craft beers, and mead. The Scottish Marketplace has 15 or more vendors offering Celtic goods including a T-shirt commemorating the event
Mark your calendar for May 4! The games begin at 8:45 am and culminates with the Closing Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. New this year (from 4:15 until 7 pm) we will gather to enjoy Stewart’s Ceilidh Roots Rock Festival!
For more information: www.SavannahScottishGames.com
By: Catherine Simpson
Images courtesy of Howard Hackney