Spokane Scottish Highland Games

Maybe you’re one of the 3 percent of Spokanites with Scottish heritage. Or maybe you’re part of the 97 percent who love Scotch, shortbread and fuzzy cows. Either way, “we’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns,” (translated: we’re all created equal) and everyone is welcome at this year’s Scottish Highland Games. For one day, the fairgrounds are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Scottish culture. Take a gander at hulking feats of athleticism, country dancing demonstrations, baking competitions, Robert Burns poetry readings, and a shepherding exhibition. Be aware that all athletes must compete in kilt and long hose to be eligible for awards. See beautiful “heilan’ coos” (Highland cows) and Clydesdale horses while you listen to traditional bagpipe marches and piobaireachd. The Games open with the most deeply entrenched ritual: a Scottish vs. Irish tug of war. But all is fun and games, and no matter what you’ll be able to turn to your neighbor at the end of the day to wish them good fortune: “Lang may yer lum reek!”

Spokane Scottish Highland Games • Sat, Aug. 6 from 9 am-5:30 pm • $5-$10 • All ages • Spokane County Fair & Expo Center • 404 N. Havana St. • spokanehighlandgames.net