The Maine Highland Games are happening this Saturday August 16, 2008, at Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick, Maine. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Games in Maine.
This year's entertainment lineup looks like this:
Tannahill Weavers (This year's headliners)
Prydein
Charlie Zahm
Colin Grant-Adams
Maine Highland Fiddlers (formerly Fiddle Dee Dee)
Here are some other things happening during the day:
Historic Highlanders Encampment (all day)
Soldiers of Scotland (all day)
Adult Athletic Competition
Individual Piping Competition
Pipe Band Competition
74 th Highland Regiment Encampment (all day)
Border Collie Sheep Herding Demonstration
Highland Dance Competition
Brunswick Scottish Country Dancers Demo.
Scottish Family History Tent (all day)
Clan Row
Scottish Vendors and Scottish Food
Click here for a complete schedule of events.
This year's Honored Clan is Clan Murray.
Gates open to the public at 8am. Stop by the Scottish Family History Tent to say hello and pick up your free copy of our Web Directory of Scottish Genealogy Resources.
See you at the Games,
Dianne
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Maine Highland Games
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Maine Ulster Scots
I'm going to be working on the Maine Ulster Scots website over the next few days; adding things, removing things, readjusting things...you get the picture.
This is a good time for you to visit us at MaineUlsterScots.com and tell us what you would like to see on the site.
In the meantime, make a note that John T. Mann, Chair of the Maine Ulster Scots Project, will be presenting workshops about the Ulster Scots at the Maine Celtic Celebration in Belfast, Maine, on July 18, 19, and 20, and I will also be there talking a bit about Ulster-Scots genealogy and language. John will also be appearing at the Maine Highland Games August 16 at Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick, Maine.
Visit us at MaineUlsterScots.com.
Slainte,
Dianne
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Historic Highlanders
If you've ever wondered what life was like in the Scottish Highlands in the years between the Battles of Bannockburn and Culloden, the folks of the Historic Highlanders can not only tell you, they can show you. These folks are "Living History" at its very best.
Based in New Hampshire, the Historic Highlanders are a cultural and educational organization that preserves authentic Scottish heritage by researching and recreating elements of everyday life of Highland society from 1314 to 1746 and sharing that information through public lectures and demonstrations. They can be seen at most, if not all, of the Highland Games and Scottish Festivals in the New England region, including the Maine Highland Games.
When attending a Highland Games, they set up an encampment and live as "historic" Highlanders for the duration of the Games. During the course of the day, you can stop by their camp watch them in action. Questions are encouraged and you'll likely get impromptu lessons on how to wear the Great Kilt and how a Highlander properly cares for his sword.
For more information, visit the website of the Historic Highlanders.
Slainte,
Dianne
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Games Season Is Upon Us
Well, folks, it's that time of year again. The Northeast Highland Games Season begins this weekend (April 5 & 6, 2008) with the Indoor Scottish Festival in Concord, New Hampshire. This event is sponsored by the New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts. This wonderful school has over 200 students enrolled in classes for Bagpipes, Highland Dance, Scottish and Cape Breton Fiddle, Smallpipes, Highland Drums and Pipe Band work. Check out the school and get more information about the Festival at their website.
You can find out when other Northeast Highland Games are scheduled by clicking on the "Highland Games Calendar" link on the left or you can get a full view of the calendar on-site by scrolling down to the bottom of this blog.
Keep in mind that the Maine Highland Games are Saturday, August 16, 2008. Same time, same location: Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick, Maine. Gates open at 8am.
Slainte,
Dianne
