For king and chief, for skill and strength, Scottish games were once a test for personal fitness and endurance. As did the Greeks in ancient times, the clans of Scotland gathered the best and strongest through competition. The winning honor was to be selected as warrior protector of their region – so states tradition.
Highland dancing’s Southern Regional Championship will be a main attraction at the Savannah Games. Once only males performed the Scottish dances that prepared men for war, celebrated battle victories and commemorated weddings and special occasions. Today female participants dominate the art form.
Evolving over centuries, Highland dance comes from ancient Scottish folk tradition. Though they have been refined over the years the basic original steps are very much intact and followed.
Unlike Scottish Country Dance with its ballroom character, performers are solo in Highland Dance. Strength, endurance and coordination are prerequisites for the difficult steps involved. Dancers have been described as being as strong as a gymnast, but as graceful as a ballerina.
This year’s activities will be held at J. F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill on Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.. In the evening at 7:00 P.M. the ceilidh begins. Pronounced kay-lee, the Scottish music presentation will complete the day’s activities.
Entertainment for the Games will include world renown Scottish artist Alex Beaton, the Celtic rock band Rathkeltair (rath-KELT-ur) which includes rock stars Nick Watson and Neil Anderson, balladeer Margaret Lyle Gravitt with her traditional Celtic-American music and the Celtic music duo, The Muses, with Tanya Brody and Matt Gurnsey.
And, as Scottish tradition dictates, you don’t even have to be Scottish to be included and involved. Families unpack their kilts, kids and coolers to enjoy the lawn-chair, laid-back atmosphere of the gathering. On hand are attractions that include pipe bands, Scottish food, weaving demonstrations and vendors of Scottish wares.
Visitors will have the opportunity to trace their own Celtic ancestry. The Savannah Area Genealogical Association and experts at various clan tents will provide genealogical assistance to the public.
The Savannah Scottish Games offers other activities and entertainment. Highland dancing’s Southeastern Region Championships will take place under the pavilion. Scottish dancers will perform and compete in traditional attire.
Athletic events include the caber toss, stone and hammer throw and tossing of the sheaf. Kids can participate and learn pint-sized athletics in the Children’s Games. Events will include the caber toss and face painting.
Taking stance to toss the caber, above, and the launch, top right. Jacksonville Pipe Major Craig Nelson warms up during
the festivities, right.
A Parade of Tartans, where clans march and display their banners, and attire will proceed to the music of the bagpipe. For those who love the bagpipe, a Grade 5 Pipe Band competition as well as individual piping contests can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Sheepdog herding demonstrations as well as demonstrations by the Savannah Harp Society will entertain and inform young and old alike.
Free parking is available at the site, with reserved spaces for Sponsors, Patrons and handicapped. Gates open at 9 am. Adult tickets are $10; student tickets are $5 (over 12 and under 18), and children 12 and under are free.
From I-95 take Exit 90, proceed east on Highway 144 for 1.2 miles, cross U.S. 17 at the traffic light then go one-half mile southeast. Signs will show the entrance of J.F. Gregory Park.
