Tracy Ross and Bob Valentine preview this weekend’s Western Kentucky Highland Festival on Sounds Good.
The event kicks off Friday evening with a free concert. Highland Reign, a Scots American folk rock band, plays at the amphitheater in Murray's Central Park beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. Admission is free this year due to a full sponsorship from Independence bank.
The award-winning 17th Lancers Pipes and Drums take the stage at 9:30 a.m. as the games begin. Valentine says the Scottish Heavy Athletics will include traditional events like the Sheaf Toss, the Hammer, The Stone Throw, Weight Toss and Weight Over Bar and the Caber Toss. Valentines the tossing of the caber is the “queen of the games.” It involves lifting an 18 foot wooden pole weighing up to 150 pounds and tossing it as far as possible. Both professional athletes and those who practice the Scottish Heavy Athletics for recreation will participate in the games.
There will also be scaled-down version of the games for children.
“The Wee Bairns can compete in games that are like the heavy athletics. They can toss the caber, but it’s usually a large cardboard tube left over from the delivery of a carpet or something like that. And they put the weight for distance and there are running competitions. Awards are given,” Valentine said.
The Grand Opening Ceremonies start at 12:00 p.m. where there will be a distinguished assembly of the clans, or families of Scotland. The Sons of Confederate Veterans will also have a delegation present to serve as the honor guard.
Highland Reign and The Lancers will alternate performing throughout the day. Other activities include piping demonstrations, Vikings North America demonstrations, sheep herding demonstrations, and livestock exhibits. There will be vendors, as well. For more information visit murraykyhighlandgames.com.
