This morning, I took my lads and lassies down to Forest Park to check out the St. Louis Scottish Games. We’d never been before, but since we’re wrapping up British history and starting Scottish history, I thought it would be the perfect event to attend. There was so much to see and do…we had a fun (and exhausting!) time!
There was great stuff for kids, including a play area and getting “passports” stamped by all of the different clans in attendance:
There was a sword-fighting demonstration (Turkey’s favorite part):
And sheep-herding:
There was a dog parade, which was very popular with the children (especially Chickadee), and I learned that there are a lot more breeds of Scottish dogs that I had imagined!
There was also a parade of tartans, with representatives from all of the clans there (Clan Ferguson was the honored clan of the event):
Of course there was food. We tried fish and chips (naturally), Cornish pasties, a Scottish soda called Irn Bru, a deep-fried Mars bar, and, for those of us of legal drinking age (me), the special beer brewed by Schlafly (Eighty Shilling), just for this event. We did not try the haggis, though!
One of my favorite parts was watching the highland dancers and listening to the bagpipes (often at the same time!):
The athletic competitions were also fascinating to watch!
Mostly, though, there was just Scottish pride everywhere!
Céad míle fáilte!
So glad you had a good time! I saw your bairns tossing the cabers from the Clan Campbell tent. Too cute! Come again next year!
We had so much fun, I’m pretty sure that this is going to be an annual family event!
Awesome Article! I actually play in one of the Pipe Bands that was there yesterday. I am with the John Ford Highland Pipe Band. We played the Parade of Clans as well as in the Massed Bands at the end of the day. You can check us out at http://www.jfpb.org We are a non-profit band sponsored by the American Legion and we are always looking for new members. We give free (yes i said Free) Bagpipe and Drum lessons. It is a great family atmosphere and we have a lot of fun.
We really enjoyed listening to your band play! My younger son is very interested in how bagpipes work, so he liked getting a chance to see and hear so many of them in one place!