No Title 1350

The Glasgow Highland Games is an extraordinary and unique pageantry of all things Scottish held for four days in Glasgow. You’ll meet Scottish clans and watch unique athletic competitive events in a festive environment surrounded with lots of foods, heritage, Celtic bands, music, and dancing (Highland and Scottish country).

The 21st annual Glasgow Highland Games, June 1-4 at Barren River State Park, is a family affair that draws approximately 15,000 people. Along with two days of competitive athletic field events on Saturday and Sunday—battle ax competition, wrestling, ladies haggis toss, to name a few—there will be many Celtic bands and individuals in full dress from Scotland, Canada, and the United States celebrating their heritage. Join in the fun at dancing demonstrations, pipe and drum competitions, harp competition, sheepdog demonstrations, and tug of wars.

The Opening Ceremony with Massed Bands is at noon on Saturday and shouldn’t be missed. The Parade of Tartans is at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Thursday and Friday feature workshops and a Thursday evening Celtic rock band concert, Friday evening Scottish Folk Festival and Concert at 7 p.m. in downtown Glasgow, and Saturday evening Rockin’ Under the Stars concert. Ticket prices for the concerts vary from $5-$20 for adults, and $5 for children.

Try out traditional Scottish foods like the Scotch egg or tasty meat pies, but if your taste buds lean more to traditional American food, there are plenty of options.

Along with vendors and genealogy information to help you trace your roots, there will be vendors selling handmade and imported items from Scotland and Ireland, as well as local artisans on hand.

Children won’t be bored as there is a special children’s area with a variety of games for them on Saturday and Sunday, including their own tug of war.

Two-day admission (not including concerts or other special events) is $20 adults, $5 children (ages 6-12); Saturday only $15 adults, $3 children; or Sunday only $10 adults, $3 children. For a schedule of events or more information about the Glasgow Highland Games, call (270) 651-3141.