Quechee
As the name suggests, the festival includes athletic competitions, with a focus on weight-tossing feats. But those are far from the only contests taking place: This year, there are more than 70 signed up to compete in solo bagpipe and drumming, and with bagpipe bands. There also will be 27 dancers.
“It’s so nice to walk around and hear young people playing the bagpipes,” said Pat Edwards, a member of Scottish Arts, the nonprofit organization that took over running the event last year. This will be its 37th year.
“A lot of people like to come year after year, like you go to a state fair,” said Edwards, a Bow, N.H., resident who will compete with a bagpipe band. “It’s part of their late summer fun.”
The festival is family-oriented: In addition to food and other vendors there are activities for children. This year’s performers are fiddler Katie McNally and the band Frost and Fire.
“One of the biggest things this year is that we have many more clans,” Edwards said, noting that 24 are signed up to attend. Clans are groups that share the same Scottish last name. The Vermont Genealogy Library will also be present to assist people who are looking for their Scottish roots.
Last year, more than 1,500 people attended the festival and this year the organization hopes that 2,000 will be there.
“Everybody who comes say they have a good time,” Edwards said.
Editor’s note: The Quechee Highland Games are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Quechee Polo Field, 45 Deweys Mills Road. Admission is $15 for ages 12 and up; $12 for ages 65 and over; children under 12 free.
Tickets can be ordered in advance at http://quecheegames.com/ or at the door. For more information, visit the website, email quecheegames@gmail.com or call 603-491-2739.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
