Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, CA

October 10 - 11, 2009, 9am til 5pm

The 7th Seaside Highland Games in Ventura is expected to be the largest and most entertaining in the history of the event.

Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001

Treat yourself to all the excitement of a trip to Scotland, with the things you'd like to see and do most, organized in one convenient location. Music and dancing, British food, clan tents, re-enactments, a children's glen, and large men throwing things are just some of the exciting events you'll find at the 7th Seaside Highland Games in Ventura.

Get yourself into the spirit early at the Friday night Whisky Tasting, an evening of food, entertainment and the chance to learn while sampling a variety of whiskys.

Special Guest Dame Barbara Hay, British Consul-General in Southern California, will declare the Games officially open at noon on Saturday, October 10, at the Opening Ceremonies and Grand Parade.

The Seaside Highland Games are family oriented with plenty to keep the wee lads and lasses entertained. Athletic events are scaled down to age and size so that anyone can take part in the traditional shows of strength and skill. Use the Clan Passport as you visit Clan Row and have it stamped along the way for a cool Scottish coloring book.

Entertainment

The talent lined up for this year's Games surpasses anything you'd be able to find in a weekend in Scotland.

Alex Beaton is the most popular Scottish folk singer in North America. His warm stage presence and wide repertoire will draw you back for each of his performances.

The musical fusion of Bad Haggis is Celtic music with rock, alternative, jazz, pop, African and Latin influences that needs to be heard to be believed. Eric Rigler, the leader of Bad Haggis, is the amazing piper from the movies Titanic, Million Dollar Baby and episodes of Battlestar Galactica, just to name a few. Rigler has been described as "the most recorded bagpiper of all time" and played at former President Ronald Reagan's funeral. More Celtic musical talent is provided by Highland Way, and The Wicked Tinkers.

Celtic Spring will be returning with exciting entertainment by the Wood family from Ojai. This talented family will transport you to the Celtic lands of Scotland and Ireland with their lively music and dancing. The famous Claddagh School of Irish Dance will be performing at the Games for the first time.

Special appearances

Re-enactments by the Bydand Forever organization and the Highlander Warriors will take you back in time to witness battle tactics of men dressed in uniforms or tartans of their time.

If you've been wondering about your Scottish heritage, Arlene Eakle, Genealogist, will be on hand with everything you ever wanted to know, and more! Fancy a lesson in Gaelic? Christopher Scott Wilborn is ready to teach you a "wee bit o' Gaidhlig".

History

For centuries, the men of Scottish villages gathered once a year for a variety of martial, sporting and religious activities. It may very well have been their only holiday, and they passed the time with athletic competitions, bagpipe playing and traditional dances.

Today, Scottish Games are held all over the world, wherever Scots have made their home. The Seaside Highland Games were organized to fill the void of a Scottish presence on the Central Coast of California.

Updates and slideshows:

Seaside Highland Games: Celtic Family Fun - Part 1 (slideshow)
Seaside Highland Games: Celtic Family Fun - Part 2 (slideshow)
Seaside Highland Games: Athletic Competition Results (slideshow)

For other articles by this author, please check the list on her home page.