BLAIRSVILLE'S SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES
For one weekend each year, thousands of Scots (or Scot wannabes) converge on Blairsville, a charming little town in the North Georgia Mountains, just east of Blue Ridge, for fun and games. It is exactly what you’d expect a Scottish festival to be. You’ll hear the haunting sound of bagpipes and drums. You’ll see men in kilts testing their strength at traditional games. Scottish country dancers will be kicking up their heels. The smell of haggis and bridies will permeate the air, and you’ll hear a lot of Scottish brogue being bantered around.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 10, 2011, at 8 AM with the Kilted Golf Classic held at the Butternut Creek Golf Course. This venue is like a picture postcard. It is surrounded by “bonny” mountains and the 6,536 yards of dramatic fairways will be sure to challenge all levels of skill. Kilts are the preferred attire, but are sadly optional. The Golf Classic is limited to the first 20 foursomes that sign up. Individuals can also sign up and be grouped as a team at registration. Prizes will be awarded for different feats. The cost is $75 per golfer. Tee-off starts at 9 AM. Hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings will be available. Call (877) 745-5153 for more information.
On Friday night, you might want to attend the Ceilidh Dinner. Pronounced “kaylee,” this is a social gathering at which there is Scottish (or Irish) folk music and singing, traditional dancing and storytelling. Authentic fare, including haggis, will be served. (You really don’t want to know what haggis is, but true Scots love it so you might want to give it a try.) Scottish Regalia or Sunday dress is required. The dinner is open to the public, but 
reservations are limited. The event will be held at the First Methodist Church of Union County’s Activity Center, located at 938 Hwy 515, Blairsville. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce or by calling (706) 745-5789.
The Scottish Festival & Highland Games are held at Meeks Park on Hwy 515. Gates will open at 8 AM both Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices are $10 per day or $15 for a 2-day pass for adults. Children 12 and under are free. 
The fun and games go non-stop all weekend. Expect to see a Kids’ Area with train rides, miniature golf and their own version of Highland Games. There are Scottish vendors selling all things “Scot.” If you’ve ever wanted to delve into your family history, visit the Genealogy tents which are set up along Butternut Creek. Everyone will be fascinated by the animals. There are shaggy Highland Cattle, an ancient breed that has lived for centuries in the rugged mountains of Scotland. And there are the black and tan Gordon Setters that are known for their brains, beauty and bird sense. Border collies will be showing off their sheep herding skills and you can learn about the ancient art of falconry. There will also be re-enactments, history brought to life. Workshops will be available to learn the fiddle and the harp. A weaponry demonstration will educate and entertain all ages as various weapons are shown with their uses as hunting and protection tools in the old days.
The Highland Games are steeped in history and tradition. They are like the Olympic Games for Scots in the “new” country, situated in a highland setting reminiscent of the homeland. The caber toss involves holding a tree trunk upright and running forward to toss it so that it lands on the opposite end. Then there is the hammer throw, the sheaf toss, putting the stone, wrestling, tug of war and various races. The games all have different levels of competition—from amateur to master. There’s a women’s division and a kids’ division (ages 6-12 and 12-16). There are also musical and dancing competitions throughout both days.
The Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 6/11/11, begins at high noon on the Main Field at Meeks Park, where the clans gather together. It is a sight to see all the family tartans out there together. A special concert begins at 7:30 PM Saturday night. Tickets are $5 for adults. Children 12 and under are free.
The Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 6/11/11, begins at high noon on the Main Field at Meeks Park, where the clans gather together. It is a sight to see all the family tartans out there together. A special concert begins at 7:30 PM Saturday night. Tickets are $5 for adults. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday’s events start with a very moving Worship Service at 9 AM on the Main Field, followed by Kirkin’ of the Tartans. This 
commemoration ceremony involves a Roll Call of the Clans and a blessing of each clan’s tartan. They dedicate their tartans to God, a piper plays “Amazing Grace” and the pastor gives a short sermon recalling the events of Culloden, a bitter time in Scottish history. After the benediction, the flag bearers exit to the national hymn, “Scotland the Brave.” The Festival resumes at 10 AM. The Closing Ceremony is at 3 PM, but the fun continues until 5 PM. This whole weekend is a great family experience that you will remember the rest of your lives. And, you will find that “Everyone’s a Scot” at the Festival. You might even pick up a bit of the accent!