Great Scot! It’s the San Diego Highland Games!
It’s time for a meeting of the clans! The Scots, and those who wish they were, will meet this weekend to compete at the San Diego Highland Games in Brengle Terrace Park (Vista).
If you’ve never been to the Highland Games, you should have no problem finding them. The bagpipes can be heard for miles around! When you see the men in kilts, you’ll know you’re there.
Along with bagpiping, and drumming competitions, there will be critiques and competitions for drum majors that they take very seriously - very.
Highland dancers will entertain the crowds all weekend long, as they compete in large and small groupings of every age.
If you’re looking for some continuing educational, why not attend a seminar or two? Twice a day, you can learn about Single Malt Whisky or Hendrick’s Gin. Where else can you do that?
Storytellers will be on hand spinning tall tales twice a day for children of all ages. Wee ones can also have their faces painted, build castles, and participate in mini-highland games scaled down to their sizes.
By now you must be wondering where the “Games” in “Highland Games” come in. There are actually several, mostly unfamiliar to Americans, but easy to understand. Generally speaking, the Highland Games are exhibits of strength and throwing for distance or height.
This starts with the Stone Throws, similar to our traditional track-and-field shot put, which are thrown after the athlete builds up momentum by spinning in a circle. The Braemer Stone is larger and is thrown from a standing position.
Then they more on to the Pound Hammer 
Throw, which is similar to throwing a sledge hammer.
They throw the Pound Weight, which is like a solid block cylinder of steel with a handle. This is thrown for distance and height.
They toss the caber, which is a big log, much like a telephone pole. The object is to flip it end-over-end, and competitors are judged by the straightness of the 
turn. When you see these big, burly men, heaving these heavy logs, you’ll have new respect for their strength, and forget that they’re wearing kilts.
One of the most enjoyable competitions for everyone to watch is the sheepdog trials. They actually bring sheep to the park for the weekend, where dogs (mostly border collies) take turns herding them up and down the hills, following whistle commands from their trainers. There are points taken off when the sheep don’t follow the dog’s direction, as well as when the dogs nip at the 
sheep. Announcers explain the rules as the competition commences, and before you know it, you’ll find that you’re actually commenting on the relative skill of each competing dog and trainer.
Food and beer will, of course, be sold at the games. Try some haggis, if you dare. For those less adventurous tastes, I recommend the scotch eggs. They’re hardboiled eggs fried in a sausage, egg, and bread crumb patty. Shepherds pie is another favorite. Singers and bands will perform onstage in the beer garden all weekend, for your entertainment while 
you eat.
Wander over to the Celtic Marketplace, where you’ll find vendors selling clothing, family crests, music, swords, musical instruments, and more. Nearby, visit the clans, who are happy to discuss their heritage, and perhaps meet a cousin or two.
If you’d like more of a preview of what you’ll find at the Highland Games, take a quick virtual tour online, or see the Entertainment Schedule. Better yet, attend the free concert being held at the Moonlight Amphitheater on Friday night before the games, for a good preview of the entertainment that you’ll find all weekend at the San Diego Highland Games.
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