By Rebecca Slawter
Memorial Day weekend brought an influx of men in skirts – well, kilts – to the Orange County Fairgrounds. The United Scottish Federation celebrated its 82nd annual Scottish Fest with bagpipes, whisky, and heapings of haggis.
True Scots, those with Scottish heritage, and enthusiasts came in droves to the fairgrounds. “Scotland the Brave”, the unofficial national anthem, played to an estimated 20,000 visitors over the two day ceremonies.
Hundreds of clans lined the walkways, including Buchanan, Armstrong, and even the infamous Clan Wallace.
“Yes, that Wallace,” said Jim Wallace while manning the booth.
Each clan booth had maps and lists that allowed patrons to search for their own last names, hoping to find their own clan. The men wore a matching tartan pattern (plaid) on their kilt to signify which clan they belonged to. And for those who were unable to find a match to their last name, there was always the comfort of Clan Inebriated.
Multiple stages featured Scottish style bands, each complete with at least one set of bagpipes. Bad Haggis, the Wicked Tinkers, and the Ploughboys played to large audiences several times a day.
Competitions were happening at every corner of the Highland festival. The traditional dance competitions included the sword dance, the Highland fling, and even some Irish jigs. The pipe and drum competitions featured both solo and band performances and could often be heard on the opposite side of the fairgrounds.
Memorial Day weekend brought an influx of men in skirts – well, kilts – to the Orange County Fairgrounds. The United Scottish Federation celebrated its 82nd annual Scottish Fest with bagpipes, whisky, and heapings of haggis.
True Scots, those with Scottish heritage, and enthusiasts came in droves to the fairgrounds. “Scotland the Brave”, the unofficial national anthem, played to an estimated 20,000 visitors over the two day ceremonies.
Hundreds of clans lined the walkways, including Buchanan, Armstrong, and even the infamous Clan Wallace.
“Yes, that Wallace,” said Jim Wallace while manning the booth.
Each clan booth had maps and lists that allowed patrons to search for their own last names, hoping to find their own clan. The men wore a matching tartan pattern (plaid) on their kilt to signify which clan they belonged to. And for those who were unable to find a match to their last name, there was always the comfort of Clan Inebriated.
Multiple stages featured Scottish style bands, each complete with at least one set of bagpipes. Bad Haggis, the Wicked Tinkers, and the Ploughboys played to large audiences several times a day.
Competitions were happening at every corner of the Highland festival. The traditional dance competitions included the sword dance, the Highland fling, and even some Irish jigs. The pipe and drum competitions featured both solo and band performances and could often be heard on the opposite side of the fairgrounds.
SCOTTISH ATHLETICS
Caber toss, throwing the weight, and farmers walk are just a few of the athletic events that took place over the weekend. The caber (pole in Gaelic) toss was the most sensational event. Often in the attempt to set up, the caber would tilt precariously towards the audience, sometimes sending a few wary fans running.
The highlight of the games was when Jacob Nicol took his turn at throwing the weight. Throwing the weight is divided into two categories: height and distance. For each toss the throwers either stand or spin. Nicol was in the lightweight category (under 190 pounds) and spinning, launched a 42 pound weight over a bar 18 feet 9 inches high, beating the world record currently held by Jeff Thornton of 18 feet 3 inches, and his own previous record of 18 feet. On a roll and with the crowd’s enthusiasm growing, Nicol attempted to best himself with a 19 foot throw. After two failed attempts, the crowd began to doubt Nicol’s ability.
“His body just can’t take it,” said the announcer. “He’s worn himself out.”
Nicol refused to be defeated, and stepped up to the bar and swung two times before letting go of his 42 pound weight. His third and final attempt proved to be his best, as the weight soared over the pole with inches to spare. Riding high off his new world record, Nicol walked off the field towards the Whisky Tavern.
Caber toss, throwing the weight, and farmers walk are just a few of the athletic events that took place over the weekend. The caber (pole in Gaelic) toss was the most sensational event. Often in the attempt to set up, the caber would tilt precariously towards the audience, sometimes sending a few wary fans running.
The highlight of the games was when Jacob Nicol took his turn at throwing the weight. Throwing the weight is divided into two categories: height and distance. For each toss the throwers either stand or spin. Nicol was in the lightweight category (under 190 pounds) and spinning, launched a 42 pound weight over a bar 18 feet 9 inches high, beating the world record currently held by Jeff Thornton of 18 feet 3 inches, and his own previous record of 18 feet. On a roll and with the crowd’s enthusiasm growing, Nicol attempted to best himself with a 19 foot throw. After two failed attempts, the crowd began to doubt Nicol’s ability.
“His body just can’t take it,” said the announcer. “He’s worn himself out.”
Nicol refused to be defeated, and stepped up to the bar and swung two times before letting go of his 42 pound weight. His third and final attempt proved to be his best, as the weight soared over the pole with inches to spare. Riding high off his new world record, Nicol walked off the field towards the Whisky Tavern.
WHISKY TASTING
A Scottish fest isn’t complete without its fair share of beer and whisky. Opting for an authentic experience, I purchased the “independents” flight. For $25 I got to taste four different types of whisky. Although I could have complained about paying $25 for maybe tablespoons of each, but I was thankful because I could barely get through them.
“These aren’t Jameson,” said Chris Uhde, who taught a master class at the event. “These might burn a little.” They certainly did, and by my fourth ‘taste’ I was glad they were small – and that I brought a chaser.
The independent flight came with tastes of Duncan Taylor’s the Octave, The Exclusive Malts’ Scotch Malt Whisky aged 10 years, Mortlach’s the Maltman, and Blackadder Raw Cask aged 20 years.
The Exclusive Malts was the least worst tasting, and as a bonus had the highest alcohol by volume of the flight at 56.3 percent. Blackadder looked like they forgot to clean out the barrel, but I was assured by the bartender that the charred wood was supposed to be in it.
A Scottish fest isn’t complete without its fair share of beer and whisky. Opting for an authentic experience, I purchased the “independents” flight. For $25 I got to taste four different types of whisky. Although I could have complained about paying $25 for maybe tablespoons of each, but I was thankful because I could barely get through them.
“These aren’t Jameson,” said Chris Uhde, who taught a master class at the event. “These might burn a little.” They certainly did, and by my fourth ‘taste’ I was glad they were small – and that I brought a chaser.
The independent flight came with tastes of Duncan Taylor’s the Octave, The Exclusive Malts’ Scotch Malt Whisky aged 10 years, Mortlach’s the Maltman, and Blackadder Raw Cask aged 20 years.
The Exclusive Malts was the least worst tasting, and as a bonus had the highest alcohol by volume of the flight at 56.3 percent. Blackadder looked like they forgot to clean out the barrel, but I was assured by the bartender that the charred wood was supposed to be in it.
UNTIL NEXT YEAR
The closing ceremonies Sunday evening gave everyone a chance to come together in one place after the long chaotic day. The Granada Hills Highlander Marching Band joined the pipe and drum bands that had competed over the weekend at the stadium.
In honor of Memorial Day, Chris Lamberton, a United Scottish Society member, asked all members of the armed forces and their family members to stand and be recognized, while the bands played “Amazing Grace.”
After all the competitive and honorary awards were announced, it was time to say goodbye.
“It’s a tradition that we don’t say goodbye,” said Lamberton. “We say ‘until next year.’”
The closing ceremonies Sunday evening gave everyone a chance to come together in one place after the long chaotic day. The Granada Hills Highlander Marching Band joined the pipe and drum bands that had competed over the weekend at the stadium.
In honor of Memorial Day, Chris Lamberton, a United Scottish Society member, asked all members of the armed forces and their family members to stand and be recognized, while the bands played “Amazing Grace.”
After all the competitive and honorary awards were announced, it was time to say goodbye.
“It’s a tradition that we don’t say goodbye,” said Lamberton. “We say ‘until next year.’”