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Volume 40, Issue 11.
March 11, 2003
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March 11, 2003
The Scottish invade Riggs
Stadium
By Andrew
Fogoros
For the Mesa Legend
Mesa Community College was transformed into a
little bit of Scotland Feb. 22 and 23.
The Arizona Scottish Gathering and Highland Games came to town for a festival
of cultural games, food, dancing, and most importantly, fun.
“These events are family oriented, designed to present information
about Scottish heritage and culture,” said Harold Stewart, President
of the Caledonian Society of Arizona,“ and to have a good time.”
The Caledonian Society of Arizona was founded in the 1960’s and is
aimed at the appreciation of Scottish heritage and history in the United
States.
The Society put on the 37th edition of the Highland Games with much success.
Opening ceremonies were on Feb. 22 with the closing ceremonies the next
day.
Competitions ran rampant through out the weekend with events ranging from
athletics, to dance, to bagpipes and drums.
Over 50 clans were there to present the history of their family names
and sept (which are different names coming from the same bloodline, or
clan.)
The athletic competitions were held on the south end of the field all
through the weekend.
Some traditional events included the hammer toss and the braemer stone
put.
Bagpipe and drumming contests were also held through out the weekend in
Riggs Stadium. Of course, there was dancing too.
The most popular Scottish dance is the Highland Fling. It dates back centuries
to early Scotland.
According to the Caledonian Society, there is no better place to hold
the games other than MCC.
“We enjoy being on campus and have an excellent relationship with
MCC,” said Stewart.
The Society also welcomes anyone who is interested in joining. All it
takes is any sort of Scottish heritage, or an interest in the heritage.
The Highland Games would not be possible if it were not for the Chief
Steward.
Bob and Penny McKinley served as Chief Steward for the eighth and final
time this year. They will be eagerly passing the reins to Sharon Archer
for next years Highland Games.
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