Detroit Highland Games Celebrates 161st Year

LIVONIA, Mich., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The 161st Annual Highland Games presented by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit will be held on Saturday, August 7th at Historic Greenmead in Livonia (Eight Mile and Newburgh) beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Advanced tickets are $10.00 with children 12 and under free.  Ceilidh (Scottish Party) will be held the night before at Greenmead. Tickets for Ceilidh are $15.00, advance purchase only.  Highland bagpipes, heavy athletics, highland dancing, vendors and entertainment tents all included in the price of admission. www.highlandgames.com for more information.  

History of the Games

The St. Andrew's Society of Detroit is proud to boast that its Games are the oldest continuous Games in North America.  The Society has documentation that shows the first Games being held in 1849.  The first games were held at Sugar Island, Belle Isle, Grosse Isle and other locations.  In 1904 the Games (they were then known as a Scottish Picnic) moved to Bob-Lo Island where they were held until 1955.  In the next years, the Games were held at University of Detroit stadium, Ford Field in Dearborn, Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit and the Eleanor and Edsel Ford House in Grosse Pointe.  For the past 11 years the Games have called Historic Greenmead Park in Livonia "home".   The Games are put on entirely by volunteers.  Co-Chairs Cathy Hasse of Orchard Lake and Murray MacDonald of Grosse Pointe are aided in their efforts by a group of almost forty chairs who take over each phase of the Games.  Over 275 volunteers are needed to work in the various areas on Games Day.  Some of these volunteers start the Monday before the Games laying out the field and getting ready for the Saturday crowds.  Most of these volunteers are members of the Society, but many are spouses, family members or friends of the members.  All help is most appreciated.

History of St. Andrew's Society of Detroit

The St. Andrew's Society of Detroit is the oldest benevolent organization in Michigan.  Originally founded to help Scots new to the area assimilate into their new location the group also helped their fellow countrymen financially.  Today the group had evolved to a 501(c) (3) organization that continually raises money for various charities.  Money is given to national, Scottish and local charities.   The group has a large scholarship program to promote the Scottish Arts helping students learn the art of bag piping, highland dance, drumming or Celtic harp.  Each month the organization takes on a special cause such as Toys for Tots, the Clothes Closet of Children's Hospital of Michigan, and packing boxes for the American troops who are assigned overseas.

In March of 2010 the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit moved into a new home in Troy, Michigan.   Having been 'homeless' for many years, it was a happy and emotional move for the members.  The doors from the old hall in downtown Detroit, as well as the stained-glass transom above the doors, were a welcome sight for many of the older members.  Centrally located for the membership that encompasses all of the greater Metropolitan Detroit area the new Kilgour Scottish Centre is a beautiful building that all the members are most proud of.

Bag Pipe Competition

What would a Highland Games be without bag pipes?   Those who attend the 161st Annual Highland Games won't have to answer that question.  There will be fifteen pipe bands.  Members of these bands will be involved in individual competition, band competition and playing in the Mass Band Parade both at Welcoming and Closing ceremonies.  Bands come from all over the mid-west as well as Canada to compete.  Piping is judged on tone, tuning and expression and execution.  The Mass Bands are the assembled bands all marching down the field together playing the same tune.  It is a hair raising sound and a treat for the eyes. Seeing all of those kilts marching down the field doing a counter march is a sight for all eyes – Scottish or not!  The Society Pipe Major, David Martin of Livonia has been with the band for many years.  His band, The St. Andrew's Society Pipe Band competes and plays year round.  

Heavy Athletic Competition

One of the favorite areas of the Highland Games is the Heavy Athletic competition.  Chaired by Kurt Paul of Wixom (who competes in the events, himself), the event is most attractive to many of the guests at the games.  The Caber Toss is probably the most spectacular and the biggest crowd pleaser.  The caber (Gaelic for 'tree') weighs about one hundred pounds and can be as long as eighteen feet.  The idea is to toss the caber so that it will land in a twelve o'clock position.  The Farmer's Walk is another popular event in this area.  Athletes pick up 200 pounds in each hand and walk as far as they can without the weights touching the ground.  The Hammer's Throw, the Stone Put, and the Weight for Distance and the Weight for Height are other events.  Competition is for amateurs in the morning hours of the Games and for Professionals in the afternoon.  The judges look for strength, balance and agility in all of the events. Ages of the competitors generally range from 20 years to 40 years old. They come from Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and many other states.   The St. Andrew's Society of Detroit's Games rank in the top five of all the Games held in the quality of the competitors.  

Highland Dancing

Over 150 Highland dancers will be competing at the 161st Annual Highland Games in Livonia.   Ranging in ages from 4 to adults the dancers come from all over the United States and Canada.  Jennifer Pierson of Waterford chairs this event.  Jen was a competitive dancer and watched her parents chair this event for the St. Andrew's Society Games years ago.  Each of the dances has a great story behind it.  The Seann Truibhas dance originated when after the Highland uprising in 1745, English rule forbid the wearing of the kilt.  Scots now had to wear the "truibhas  -trews – trousers".  The dance shows how the trews were happily kicked off when the law was repealed.  The Sword Dance shows the dancers dancing around the swords that are strategically placed on the floor or shield without touching them.  To be successful in this feat meant good luck in battle.   The dance was done before and after the battle to celebrate victory.

Wee Bairns' Area   (Children's Area)

The members of the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit believe that 'kids are our future' and thus have expanded the Wee Bairn's area of the Highland Games.  Noted by some who travel to Highland Games around the country is the fact that our children's area is second to none.  This year the Wee Bairns area is chaired by Patty McKinnon of Royal Oak.  Last year over 700 children enjoyed this part of the games.  They could paint a targe (shield), make a headdress, use a catapult (under supervision) and get involved in the reenactments where they could have fun and learn something at the same time. They had their own parade where they could share their targes and head pieces.  Learning the highlights of playing cricket was another option for the 12 and under set.   Story tellers were also in the area involving children in history and suspense.

Scottish Animals

Did you ever see a Highland Cow (Coo)?   Well, now is your chance.  These big very furry animals will be at the 161st Annual Highland Games in Livonia.   Along with the coos will be the agility dogs, the Gordon Setters and the Bearded Collies.  Delighting crowds of all ages these animals, all native to Scotland are a big hit at the Games.

Living History Presentations

The St. Andrew's Society of Detroit can boast that it hosts two of the greatest reenactment units around at its Highland Games.  The 142nd Highlander and the MacFarlane's Company help give color and meaning to the Games.  

These groups camp out at Greenmead and set up tents and living areas to show to their visitors how life use to be.

The MacFarlane's Company is a volunteer organization that sets out to educate the public about the rich history and culture of Scotland.  This group raises money to support stewardship and preservation work by the National Trust for Scotland.  Through historical demonstrations on life and clothing the group lets people get involved turning the time into a great educational experience.  

Tug- O- War

Again this year seven teams will compete at the Tug-O-War on the main field.  Each team will enter the field in its own unique vehicle.  There will be women's teams as well as men's teams.  This crowd pleaser event offers a trophy to the winning team.  The trophy is a loving cup that has been around St. Andrew's Society of Detroit for almost 100 years.  It was first presented at the Games in 1914!!  The Livonia Fire Fighter and the U.S. Marines are two of the competing teams.  Recently retired, radio personality Dick Purtan and his side kick "Big Al" will return to the Games to referee this event.  They, of course, will be wearing kilts!

Scotch Whisky Tasting

Back by popular demand is the Scotch Whisky Tasting event.  This educational and fun presentation will need a special ticket (available on-line and at Greenmead).  Visitors to this activity will have the opportunity to taste six different Scotch Whiskies and learn all about them.  The teacher is directly from Scotland and can educate his audience in an atmosphere of fun and laughter.  Those attending will receive a commemorative glass to remember the event.

Entertainment Tents

The entertainment tents, too, offer something for everyone.  Entertainment on Saturday is included in the price of a gate ticket.  

Carl Peterson – born and raised in Greenock, Scotland has entertained throughout the United States and Canada.  He is back by popular demand.  

The Glengarry Bhoys – high level, high spirited entertainment.  They, too, are returning at the request of the crowds from previous years.

The Kreelers – a local Celtic group had their first appearance at the 160th Highland Games.  

Blaggards – More high level energy – just what the Scots ordered!!!

Ceilidh – (kay-lee) Friday, August 6th at Greenmead.  Advance tickets only.

Traditionally, a Ceilidh was a gathering in a home in Scotland where friends got together to play music, sing, dance, eat and drink.  So – our Ceilidh offers it all – except for gathering in a home – we gather in a tent and have a great time!!  All of the above entertainment will be at the Ceilidh.  Suggest that you look at the brochure or online for exact time of each performing group.

Ticket Information

Advance tickets for the Games are $10.00.  Children 12 and under are free.

Tickets are available at Greenmead or on line www.highlandgames.com .

Tickets on Games Day (Saturday, August 7) will be $15.00.

Ceilidh tickets are $15.00 and must be purchased in advance – either at Greenmead or on line www.highlandgames.com

Patron Tickets are available for $50.00 this includes

• Parking pass
• Assorted foods throughout the day
• Seating on Main Field

Parking

There is limited parking on site at Greenmead – after 9:30 a.m. or so it is usually full.    We do have a free parking at Schoolcraft College with a free shuttle that will take you to Greenmead.  Shuttles will run every 5 minutes.

Contact

[email protected] or 248-681-0320 (Cathy) for more information.

SOURCE St. Andrew's Society of Detroit