Grandfather Mountain Highland Games 2010.
Every summer P and I travel to North Carolina for the largest Scottish Festival in the world. Three years ago we took a quick trip to the mountains for our anniversary and just happened across this festival. We knew P's family was from Scotland, so we started searching for a Clan that might have our surname listed. Low and behold there was a Clan Hay. Clans are listed under a certain surname, but there are several septs (other surnames) that fall under each Clan. Of course Hays falls under Clan Hay. We were surprised to find our Clan so easily; it's not so easy for some to figure out what Clan they would fall under.
So we decided to dive in and start participating with the festivals every year. This was our second year to attend the Grandfather Mountain Games and P's first year in his kilt. Here are a few shots from the weekend.
Clan Hay members - me, P, Donna and Ben
Ben and Donna in front of Grandfather Mountain and MacRae Meadows.
This guy went all out! I just love it. He looks
like the best friend from Braveheart.
The bagpipe bands were awesome. I just love the sound of them echoing throughout the mountains.
The Drum Major
This is were a representative from each clan marches around the field with the clan flag. It's really cool to see all the the different tartans and clans represented.
P proudly carried the Clan Hay flag as our representative
in the parade this year.
The Clan Hay fairy
Clan Hay tent
Some of the events that were taking place:
Highland dancing
Scottish fiddling
sheep herding
pole vaulting
heavy weight throw for distance
A look at the field from the hill. It's hard to get a feel for just how big the festival is, so I tried to get a couple of shots from a distance to show just how many people, tents and events were there.
Can't wait for the 2011 games!
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