If you need a good bodyguard or someone to entertain you on a cold winter night, you may find what you’re after at the Highland Games.
Every year, Whidbey Islanders are treated to a day of Celtic fun at Greenbank Farm.
This year, the Whidbey Island Celtic Society presents the 11th Annual Whidbey Island Highland Games from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Although the day promises to be full of dance, pipers, heavy athletics, artisans, entertainment, food and fun, it was not always just about fun and games in Scotland.
The history of the long tradition of the Highland Games tells of a time when the early Celts viewed the competitions as war games in which the strongest and bravest soldiers would come out on top and prove their superior skills.
The clans of Scotland would compete in a chieftain’s search to find the best bodyguards and the fiercest warriors.
But some requirements were less about war and more about talent. The clans valued their musicians and dancers as well, because they were crucial to the prestige held in each household.
Competitions were held to choose everyone on the staff, such as good runners for couriers, strong men for defense and a range of entertainers to amuse the chieftains during the dreary and cold winter evenings in Scotland.
Many of these traditions can still be seen in Highland Games of Scotland today. However, the games are now known more for the sociable and fun entertainment they provide and are held all over the world.
A new team of organizers at the Whidbey Island Highland Games has added to the traditions of past games with some new surprises for participants.
Malcolm Ferrier, a local Scotsman, will present “Clan 101” at 10 a.m. on Stage 2. Ferrier will talk about the traditions of several clans in regard to Scottish dress, tartans and clan history.
Also new to the games this year, Diamond Knot Brewery will present two beer gardens; the traditional beer garden overlooking the Heavy Scottish Athletics competition and a main stage beer garden inside the barn where it may be cooler and in close proximity to the musical entertainment.
A new demonstration of felt doll-making is on the bill, along with other demonstrations from Cascade Comet Dog Sports, the Shire of Earnrokke, the Living History Group from the Society for Creative Anachronism and the Whidbey Spinners and Weavers.
New food vendors include Highland Drumsticks, which will serve up smoked turkey legs; European Style Foods; Pickles Deli; and Sprinkles, which will serve Cascade Ice Cream.
Also providing food will be the Northwest Junior Pipe Band selling bangers (Scottish sausages), Lesedi Farms offering African food and Whidbey Kettle Corn with its popular salty and sweet popcorn.
In between the heavy athletics field events, the bagpiping and the Celtic dancing competitions, Highland Games visitors can enjoy a bit of shopping at various vendors, including Cloaked in Time, Wandering Angus, R&T Crystals, Kendra MacLeod, LMP, All Things Irish, Celtic Viking Jewelry, Gold & SilverMine, History of Names, the Tartan Thistle and Zambalha Gift Shop.
Musical entertainers this year include the Shifty Sailors, Maggie’s Fury, Randal Bays and Josephina Hunner on two stages. The Irish Dancers of the Farraige Mhor Academy and the Scottish Country Dancers will also perform.
And the wonderful sound of the bagpipe will fill the air throughout the day, thanks to the talents of the Clan Gordon Pipe Band, Kenmore & District Pipe Band, Northwest Junior Pipe Band Grade “A,” Northwest Junior Pipe Band Grade “B” and the Tacoma Scots Pipe Band.
The gates open for competitors at 8 a.m. and for guests at 9 a.m. Admission prices are $8 for adults, and $6 for seniors, children and military personnel. Children 4 and younger are free. No pets allowed.
Volunteers for the Highland Games are always needed and welcome to join the fray by calling Ann Christensen at 341-2119 or e-mail whidbeygames@yahoo.com.
