Highland Games in the desert

The Scottish Games of Phoenix! Typically highland gathering and games is during the summer months but due to extreme summer temperatures of the desert, the Games in Arizona are held in the winter months (for both Phoenix and Tucson).

I arrived in time for the opening ceremonies of the massing of the bands and clans. They paraded around and then the bands clustered together forming a circle with the audience around them for the big celebration.

This is the group that I had joined, the Royal Scottish Country Dancing group of Phoenix. They dance to their heart's content. It is a small group and of course not enough males but oh well. The point is to have fun. And we did with our tent and lively talking and dancing.

There was also a British Car display at this games. Cute cars so small. It is a wonder why it is not so popular here the size of the cars. Well, size of cars are popular here in the US but at the other extreme end: big hulking SUVS and hummers. Eww, gross. Does not please the quaint Scottish wabi Sabi Ingrid.

I spent the majority of the afternoon following the pipers and the bands. I love the music and it is so haunting and amazing really. There is something about the music that just cannot be described into words. I think only a true Scot would understand.

I had brought my knitting along and sat in the shade knitting, snacking, and listening to the bands. The colors of the tartans are so festive.

Then the athletic fields. The caber toss! Unfortunately the field was not designed for good audience viewing. We were on one side of the field and the caber toss was the only athletic event that was closest to us and hence good footage for photography. Shame on them. But still fun.

So, I am noticing now that the Caledonian society and Scottish folk are rather a small group here. I am starting to recognize more and more folks in the bands, athletic department, dancing, vendors, and volunteers. Basically the folks who are part of the society and group make up the games. And the spectators are usually the family and supporters of those of us performing. There generally is not too many outside people coming to games and that makes the games rather small especially compared to the games in Washington and other places where there is more of a strong hold of Scottish folk.