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4th annual Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games
"Overall I think this was probably the best games we have had," event organizer Jim McAfee said. "We had more people there Saturday than we have ever had on a [single day.] We added an extra band this time, and had five new clans and societies." The event featured a total of 40 clans and societies, the highest total yet. This year's games also featured another first, the appearance of a Clan Chief. The Chief of Clan Kennedy came all the way from Scotland. "He said he had been received by these games the best of any place he had been," McAfee said. This year's event was in memoriam of both Bill McIntosh and Skip Long, who were both very supportive of the festival and instrumental in its' success. Long, who held Border Collie demonstrations during the first three years of the BSFHG, passed away on April 29 after a brief illness.
Athletic events were held throughout the festival, beginning with the Kilted Golf Classic on Friday, and including competitions such as the Kilted Mile Race, Hammer Throw (22lb. hammer thrown for distance), and Turning the Caber (16 and 20 ft. long tapered logs, weighing 110-115lbs. turned end over end.) Animals were once again a noticeable part of the event, helping demonstrate their roles in Scottish culture. Despite the passing of her husband Skip, Suzanne Long of Squirrel's Nest Farm in Murphy, NC, returned to the festival this year. With the help of her sister, Long continued the work of her husband as a tribute to him, holding sheep herding demonstrations with her Border Collies "Zeus," "Sukey," and "Flo."
Wild Highlanders Armourers and Lorimers provided entertainment at their tent, showing off Scottish weapons such as "jacks" and a replica of the sword wielded by the infamous William Wallace. This family spends much of their demonstrations dispelling myths created by films such as Braveheart and Rob Roy. The Wild Highlanders are makers of authentic Scottish Weapons and are based in Tampa, FL. No matter where you were in the park, some form of music could be heard at virtually any location. Regarded as "the most energetic Celtic band around," Canadian Celtic band Hunting McCleod travelled 16 hours from Ontario to perform throughout Saturday and Sunday, in addition to their concert Saturday night. A number of other artists and bands also performed, while Scottish Highland Dancing offered music and dance lovers the opportunity for a more hands on experience.
"With this being my first year there were a lot of unknowns, but I thought everything was exceptional," Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce (BUCCC) President Cindy Williams said. "I had so many people that I didn't even know provide so many compliments of the organization and the great time they were having. That was a huge tribute to the organizing committee. I was overwhelmed. I just thought it was a spectacular weekend." Williams said that while the Chamber of Commerce benefits from the natural beauty of the area, unique events such as this add another flavor to the community. "By having this Scottish Festival, I believe it draws a unique crowd and a diverse crowd," Williams said, explaining that she feels like Meeks Park is transformed into a small chunk of Scotland.
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