It's Time!

It's Friday evening and the Kilted Golf was a great success! The Masters Heavy Events are getting over.  Folks are drifting up to the Castle for the Great Friday Ceilidh at the Castle with Lonesome Line!

Tomorrow it starts with 

7am- 10am Breakfast at the Elks

Gates open at 8:30

Check the Schedule in the menu to the left, for exact times.

Weather looks good. Might be cloudy with some showers in the early am, but it's improving to a sunny afternoon!  Great Festival weather.

Admission:

Adults: $10

Students and Seniors (65 and up): $5

Family: $25

Kirkin' of the Tartan

KIRKING OF THE TARTANS AT LARLEE CREEK (7:00 PM Sunday, May 27^th, 2012)

This little historic church has stood on the outskirts of our community since 1856!  For many years now, it has remained quiet guarding the headstones of many of our ancestors with little recognition from the passing public.  But in 2012, the doors of this amazing piece of our past will again open to welcome the public to a special “Kirking-of-the-Tartans” evening service!

We are pleased to announce that Reverend Maynard Rector, a true friend of the Gathering, will preside over this ancient Scottish traditional service.  Bring a piece of your family’s plaid or any scrap that you can muster for display – kilts, scarves, plaid ties – anything with “the colors” for display at the pulpit!  You are invited to worship with us as you walk through the hallowed old doors of Larlee Creek!  Join us for a service and following light lunch – complete the evening with a leisurely wa

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lk through the old stones of your ancestors to the sounds of the highland pipes!

For more information, call Rod MacIntosh at 273-6710.

Some of the Events

Here are short descriptions of the Ancient Heavy Events that make up the Athletic portion of the Highland Games and Festival.  They are truly a fine mix of feats of strenght and technique.

The Stone Putt:  Two styles: The “Open Stone” (where competitors are allowed to move their feet), and the “Braemar Stone” where the competitor must throw from a standing position.

The Weights for Distance:  The weight (either 28 lb. or 56 lb.) is held in one hand as the athlete spins around.  The weight will build tremendous energy leading up to its release.

The Hammers: The hammer (either 16 lb. or 22 lb.) is a lead ball attached to a handle. Starting out slow building speed as he goes, the competitor swings the hammer around his head releasing it “blind” over the shoulder.  Watch for some unique “footwear” in this event.

The Caber Toss:  There is nothing more awe inspiring than to watch a man pick up a twenty foot log, settle it into his hands, then run and flip it end for end. Cabers all vary in size, generally from 17 to 21 ft in length and weighing from 100-180lbs.

The Sheaf Toss:  The athlete must “pitch” a 16 lb - 20 lb stuffed burlap bag up and over a horizontal bar using a pitchfork.  World-class athletes will reach heights of 32 - 34 feet.

The Weight for Height:  The 56 lb weight is swung with one hand between the competitor’s legs and then thrown up and over a bar landing just behind the athlete.

Ancient Scottish Heavy Athletics ( Strength and Technique)

Each year on the Thursday before the Games, Dirk Bishop, 4 time World's Masters Champion and one or more collegues hold a workshop to teach newcomers the techniques needed to safely participate in the Heavy Athletics. 

This year the workshop will be on Thursday May 24th on the Perth Ball field at 6pm.  The cost is $20

Come try to toss the caber or throw the weights around.

If interested  call Dirk Bishop at 273-3102

COME CHALLENGE YOURSELF AT STRENGTH AND TECHNIQUE

Highlander Breakfast

Start your GOS Saturday off early by fueling up with a Highlander Breakfast Perth-Andover Style.  

This year the breakfast is being prepared and served by the Elks Club,  right across the road from the GOS Festival Grounds.

The Breakfast menu will be Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Pancakes, Baked Beans, Toast, Juice, tea and coffee. All for only $7.

Come support this community club.