Cary residents who wish to celebrate their Scottish heritage, or who just enjoy the culture, will want to attend The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
The games, a non-profit event, not affiliated with Grandfather Mountain Peak/Park, will be held July 11-14 and are one of the most popular observances of Scottish heritage in the world. This year will be the 58th year for the games; the event expects to attract around 30,000 between MacRae Meadows and an auxiliary site at nearby Lees-McRae College at Banner Elk.
Although a three-hour drive for those of us living in Cary, the chance to experience Gaelic culture in a family friendly atmosphere makes it well worth the trip. The opening and closing processions are especially entertaining. At dusk on Thursday there will be a Torchlight Ceremony with about 120 clans. The games close on Sunday with the Parade of Tartans to the awe-inspiring sound of multiple bagpipe bands.
Between processions, athletic competitions that involve throwing heavy objects, as well as wrestling and a clan against clan tug-of-war, will be held. Additionally, music competitions and concerts that include Celtic-Appalachian, Celtic Rock, and traditional pipe and drum music will take place intermittently throughout the event.
With approximately 170 tents to from which to choose, there will be plenty of opportunities for learning as well acquiring Celtic treasures to take home. Many vendors offer attendees an opportunity to sign up for their latest catalog printing or provide their digital business card. This allows attendees a means of getting in touch with the vendors or accessing their websites to purchase items at a later date.
Location
8450 Chapel Hill Road
Suite 101
Cary, NC 27513
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Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
Thu: 9:00 - 5:00
Fri: 9:00 - 3:30
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed