The New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival
Grab your tartan and head for the White Mountains for three days of music, food, demonstrations and, of course, competition!
If you've never been to the always fantastic and incredibly entertaining New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival, then make this year – the celebration of the 41st anniversary – the year you check it out!
Though this is a celebration of Scottish heritage in New Hampshire, the festival is open to everyone. Whether you plan on joining the Gathering of the Scottish Clans or have no idea what the heck the caber toss is, all are welcome to attend.
From the NHHG&F's website:
"Amongst the largest and one of the most diverse games in the country, the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival (NHHG&F) brings competitions, clans, living history and entertainment to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Competitions are held in individual piping and drumming and pipe bands, highland dancing, fiddle, harp (clarsach), sheep dogs and heavy Scottish athletics. Over 60 clans and societies and living history encampments bring the history of Scotland to life. With multiple venues, Scottish and Celtic performers entertain with traditional and modern music. Join us for three days of music, food, competitions and more as we celebrate the 41st New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival."
Curious about what heavy Scottish athletics entail? Check out this feature story that ran last year. Our intrepid author Kevin Flynn tried his hand at various traditional feats of strength from the aforementioned caber toss to the hammer throw. The story, which was photographed by P.T. Sullivan, mainly shows you what NOT to do, but there's also great advice (and actual technique) offered up by long-time Highland Games competitor Bill Crawford.
Tickets can be purchased for single or multiple days; Friday: $20, Saturday: $35, Sunday: $25 and a three-day pass is $60. Children under 14 are free. Daytime admission includes access to: all daytime concerts, all competitive venues, clan village, seminars, living history, youth program (Saturday & Sunday), and all Scottish vendors.
Event details:
September 16-8, 2016 at Loon Mountain
60 Loon Mtn. Road., Lincoln
Click here for a schedule, admissions and more information
