Schedule:

February 18, 2024
Kirkin' of the Tartan

Friday, February 23rd, 2024

6pm to 8pm: Whisky Tasting

Doors open at 6:00pm - Tasting starts at 6:30pm

Explore a selection of Scottish Whisky. Enjoy learning the flavors of the areas across this noble country and what makes them unique.

We ask that all participants be in their seats well before the event starts.
Space is limited and late arrivals are distracting to the presenters and other participants.

Tasters must be at least 21 years of age. No one under 18 will be permitted inside the event. Identification will be checked at the door.

Discounted tickets can be purchased online by clicking below.

No discounts will be offered at the door.

8pm to 10pm: Sponsors Reception

Saturday, February 24, 2024

9am: Scottish Athletics

Caber
This event is what many people associate with the Highland Games. A long tapered wooden pole is balanced vertically on one end. He then runs forward and attempts to toss the pole end over end and land facing directly away. Cabers vary greatly in length, weight, taper and balance, all of which affect the degree of difficulty in making a successful toss.?

Sheaf
A bundle of straw (the sheaf) weighing 20 pounds (9 kg) for the men or 10 pounds (4.5 kg) for the women and wrapped in a burlap bag is tossed vertically with a pitchfork over a raised bar (like that used in pole vaulting).

Hammer
This event is similar to the hammer throw as seen in modern-day track and field competitions. In the Scottish event, a round metal ball (weighing 16 or 22 lb for the men or 12 or 16 lb for women) is attracted to the end of wooden or other solid material shaft, about 4 feet in length.

Weight Over Bar
This event is also known as weight for height. The athletes attempt to toss a weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand. Men toss 56 pounds (4 stone) and women toss 28 pounds (2 stone).

Weight For Distance
Weights are made of metal and have a handle either directly attached to the weight or attached to the weight by a chain. The weight is thrown using any technique but only one hand. Men use 35 pound weight and women use 20.

Pipes and Drums
Attention, Pipers and Drummers: Our solo and band contest registration is currently open! Don't miss your chance to play for our great lineup of judges.

Northeast Florida Scottish Games is proud to have back the Band and Solo Piping Competition again this year. If you missed it before make sure to check it out this year. Last year was great. For more information on the Band and Solo Piping Competition please go to https://www.neflgames.com/events-1/pipes-%26-drums.

Competition Registration: Open. Entries must be postmarked by February 7, 2024
Access registration forms at https://www.neflgames.com/registration.

2024 Attending Judges
R. Wallace
B. Donaldson
L. Cousin
B. Caudill
J. Dillahey
J. Bottomley
S. Creighton
S. McClure.

Highland Dance
About the dances:

Highland Fling: Likely the oldest of the traditional dances of Scotland, the Highland Fling signifies victory following a battle. The warriors made this dance a feat of strength and agility by dancing on their upturned shields which had a sharp spike of steel projecting from the center. Dancers learned early to move with great skill and dexterity. Others say the Highland Fling was inspired by the sight of a deer prancing on a hillside. The upraised arms and hands in the dance represent the deer's antlers.

Sword Dance (Gillie Callum): Legend has it that the initial Gillie Callum was created by Malcolm Canmore, a Celtic Prince who fought a battle in 1054. Triumphant, he crossed his opponent's sword with his own and danced over them celebrating his victory. It is also said that the warriors danced the Sword Dance prior to battle. If the warrior touched the swords, it was considered an omen symbolizing injury or death in battle.

Seann Triubhas (Old Trousers): This dance originated as a political protest dating back to 1745 when the wearing of the kilt was an act of treason. Pronounced "shawn trews", this Gaelic phrase means "old trousers". The beautiful, graceful steps reflect the restrictions imposed by the foreign trousers. The lively quick time in the dance recreates the Highlanders' celebration of rediscovered freedom.

The Reels: The Reel O'Tulloch is said to have started in a churchyard on a cold winter morning when the minister was late for his service. The parishioners tried to keep warm by stamping their feet, clapping their hands and swinging each other by the arms.
(Dance descriptions from the FUSTA website)

Highland Dance Registration

10-10:30am
11-12:00 pm
1-1:30pm
2:30-3:00pm
4-4:30pm

Fiddle
David Gardner - Fiddle Judge

David Gardner is a nationally recognized Scottish fiddle performer, teacher and judge. He has been performing on the Scottish fiddle since the 1980's, absorbing the idiom and style of the great 18th century Scottish composers such as the Gows, Mackintoshes and Marshall. Gardner is a specialist in the performance of 18th century Scottish music using bows and instruments set up as they would have been in Neil Gow's day. Since those early years, Mr. Gardner has performed on innumerable occasions, both in colonial taverns and on stage.

Gardner currently holds an instrumental music endorsement for the state of Virginia. In this capacity for teaching excellence, Mr. Gardner was awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange Scholarship to Germany in the summer of 2003. Mr. Gardner is currently part of the permanent faculty of the Strathgheny School of Scottish Fiddling held at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. He is a member of the nationally recognized musical trio, The Virginia Company, with whom he has performed at the The Kennedy Center, The National Geographic Society, The Bethlehem Music Festival, Longwood Gardens, Plymouth Plantation, Monticello, and Mount Vernon, among other venues.

Gardner is a professional fiddle judge officially sanctioned by the North American Association for Scottish Fiddling, (Scottish FIRE).

Entertainment

Bands Afternoon Schedule
1:00 - 1:30 Poehemia
1:45 - 2:15 SYR
2:30 - 3:40 Albannach
4:00 - 4:30 SYR
5:00 - 5:15 Albannach

Closing Ceremony
5:30

Bands Evening Schedule
6:30 – 7:00 Poehemia
7:15 –7:45 SYR
8:00 –9:00 Albannach

Fireworks
Band performances will be followed by a fireworks display.

Band Set Times
Albannach
2:30pm - 3:00pm
5:45pm - 5:15pm
8:00pm - 9:00pm

Poehemia
1:00pm - 1:30pm
3:15pm - 3:45pm
6:30pm - 7:00pm

SYR
1:45pm - 2:15pm
4:00pm - 4:30pm
7:15pm - 7:45pm

Date: February 18-24, 2024

Location: Various Towns in FL
St Giles Presbyterian Church, 116 Foxridge Road, Orange Park, FL 32065
The Hilltop Restaurant, 2030 Wells Road, Orange Park, FL 32073
Clay County Fairgrounds, 2497 State Road 16 West, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

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