Depressing News on the Games Front

[cessna152towser]

Lesmahagow Highland Games which would have taken place next Saturday have been cancelled:-
http://www.lesmahagow.com/highland_games.asp

The Border Gathering at Dumfries has been scaled down this year. There will be Highland Dance and Solo Piping competitions at Dumfries High School on Saturday 14th August but there are no Heavy Events at the 2010 Gathering.
http://www.bordergathering.co.uk/

In the South of Scotland here, games are certainly struggling. Good prizes need to be offered to attract Heavy Events and Highland Dance Competitors and to bring pipe bands to the event. The only games which seem to be prospering are those which hold extensive funfairs, children's entertainments and markets as part of the event. I am hoping and praying for good weather and a good attendance at Hawick Highland Games next Sunday (20th June).
http://www.hawickhighlandgames.co.uk/

[bchunter]

I am afraid your woes are not confined to Scotland. I've heard of similar circumstances at some of the games around here, too.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have long take the view that the proliferation of games in the 80's and 90's was ultimately not a good thing: too many games vying for a limited number of bands, athletes, dancers, vendors and, most importantly, attendees. This led, in my opinion, to a large number of "games" becoming a mish-mash of ideas-- sort of the rennfaire meets SCA tournament meets Celtic festival with pirates approach with less and less attention given to the cultural core of what is, after all, a Scottish event. These "weak" end events are now feeling the pinch, and economic Darwinism seems to be taking effect.

[macwilkin]

I have long take the view that the proliferation of games in the 80's and 90's was ultimately not a good thing: too many games vying for a limited number of bands, athletes, dancers, vendors and, most importantly, attendees. This led, in my opinion, to a large number of "games" becoming a mish-mash of ideas-- sort of the rennfaire meets SCA tournament meets Celtic festival with pirates approach with less and less attention given to the cultural core of what is, after all, a Scottish event. These "weak" end events are now feeling the pinch, and economic Darwinism seems to be taking effect.

I made similar comments about the proliferation of Civil War reenactments in the 1990s.

T.

[BoldHighlander]

I have long take the view that the proliferation of games in the 80's and 90's was ultimately not a good thing: too many games vying for a limited number of bands, athletes, dancers, vendors and, most importantly, attendees. This led, in my opinion, to a large number of "games" becoming a mish-mash of ideas-- sort of the rennfaire meets SCA tournament meets Celtic festival with pirates approach with less and less attention given to the cultural core of what is, after all, a Scottish event. These "weak" end events are now feeling the pinch, and economic Darwinism seems to be taking effect.

A few years ago our local games tried to incorporate an SCA village into the events. It turned into a bloody fiasco of sorts & thankfully they went back to the tried & true of the past 50 years.

My only complaint this year was there wasn't any sheep dog trials as in years past

[Jerry]

T%he Potomac Celtic festival was nearly canceled a few years back. However some small amount of funding was eventually found,they changed to a much smaller venue, and cut back to a one day festival. The bands and groups like Coyote Run performed for tips only. Now, they are back in their original location and once again a two day festival.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

T%he Potomac Celtic festival was nearly canceled a few years back. However some small amount of funding was eventually found,they changed to a much smaller venue, and cut back to a one day festival. The bands and groups like Coyote Run performed for tips only. Now, they are back in their original location and once again a two day festival.

What is the purpose of the Potomac Celtic Festival?

[BoldHighlander]

What is the purpose of the Potomac Celtic Festival?

Scott, don't know if you saw this recent photo thread of the event or not?

They seem to have a little bit of everything (somebody please correct me if I'm wrong).

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Yes, I saw the photos (my eyes... my eyes... my eyes...), which was what prompted my question--

To me it looks like the PCF is sombody's idea of how to make money by renting a vacant lot and selling clan & club tent spaces. Definitely why I haven't gone and won't go in the future. Ever.

[Sir William]

What is the purpose of the Potomac Celtic Festival?

It has a Celtic theme, so you'll see Scottish clans and pipe bands, Irish and Scottish singing and dancing, as well as representatives of Wales and this year ethnic Celts from Spain (I chatted with one of them but can't remember the exact region he was from). They also had some Scottish athletics demonstrations, a demo rugby match. Among this year's living history groups were Romans and Picts in Britain, McDonnell's Regiment of Irishe Foote, the Appin Regiment (1745), Roger's Rangers (included many Scots-Irish/Ulster Scots), and the Irish Guards (1900-1987).

From our perspective, there were lots of kilts present. Lots of traditional tanks, quite a few UK, and an assortment of casually worn kilts. I've seen much the same at various Scottish games, including the RenFaire escapees.

Overall its a pretty nice little event, except the weather always tends to be hot and humid, with a thunderstorm in the late afternoon.