Quote Originally Posted by Semiomniscient View Post

Please rank your top three Highland Games/Celtic Festival attractions from the following:

_3__Athletics (Heavy)
_1__Clan Booth/Tent
_4__Dancing
_2__Music (bag piping/drumming)

Optional questions:
How far do you typically travel to attend a Highland Games or Celtic Festival? 1 to 5 driving hours from home.

How important is "ambience" of such an event to you? Very Important. Can you give an example of good "ambience"? Nice, outdoor natural surroundings- Cool Weather- Focus on the traditional HIGHLAND aspects of the event- e.g. piping, drumming, heavy events. I agree with Scott that Loch Norman and Greenville tend to be the best local examples, GMHG is a mixed bag- beautiful setting and good piping/ heavy events, but high on the freak-flag flying...

What is the biggest "turn off" perpetrated by Games/Festival organizers? Other than normally planning games for the most humid, hot months of the year, it's including all the "fluff"- e.g. "haggis throws", "bonniest knees contests"- "Celtic" bands- Faeries- SCA- Pirates- Folks who mistake Highland Games for RenFair- blue facepaint- big fake swords- leather knee-high "moccasins". I really wish that all Highland Games organizers had to attend at least three normal highland games/ gatherings in Scotland before planning their own event here in the US.