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Sep. 15, 2007
Scottish Festival & Highland Games in McPherson, Kansas Sat. & Sun. September 22 - 23, 2007
There is a fun and educational event in McPherson, KS: The McPherson Scottish Festival. Homeschooling families will find many aspects of the festival to be of interest. It's a glimpse into traditions of Scotland and of the Scots who immigrated to the U.S.
There are about 25 tents staffed by representatives of various Scottish clans or families. Many of those people are quite knowledgeable about the history and traditions of Scotland, and many have traveled there.
There's a genealogy tent where people assist attendees in researching their family histories, of any ethnicity. Scottish and Irish music are on-going throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday. One of our featured performers is a renowned American player of the Irish flute. All are accomplished singers and instrumentalists. On Sunday there's a Celtic harp tent, with performances as well as opportunities for a
hands-on session to learn to play the Celtic harp.
The athletics events are special this year, as competitors from around the world will try for World championship titles in Highland athletic events such as the caber toss (Sat.). On Sunday, another group of really big guys (and probably a few capable women as well) will compete is some contemporary Strongman events.
This list goes on...border collies herding sheep, a display of raptors and falcons, Scottish meat pies for lunch. Even a display of Highland cattle!
Masters World Highland Athletic Championship, Saturday, September 22nd
Al Myers, Abilene veterinarian is Athletic Director. Athletes from around the US, plus Canada, Norway and Switzerland are coming to McPherson, Kansas to compete for world records.
Last year's World Championships were in Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Website showing registered athletes: http://www.scottishmasters.org/mwcwhoscoming.html Six are Kansans. Eleven women are coming. All athletes are age 40+. Three men are age 70+. Nine events are competed.
Contacts: Al Myers, athletic director, (785)479-2264; allmyers@tctelco.net Troy Fowler, Co-Athletic director, (316)516-3618 Bill Scruggs, official with SMAI (Scottish Masters Athletics International, LLC), sanctioning agency, (970)846-5819.
Masters Nationals Scottish Strongman Competition, Sunday, September 23rd
Five events competed in several divisions and weight classes: Atlas stones, Fingals Fingers, pressing medley, weight for height, and frame carry. Photos for some events are posted at: http://macfestival.org/press/photos.htm
Contact: Scott Tully, Salina, (785)823-3035 from 9-5; (785)826-5940 after 5 pm. Darren Barnhardt, (785)452-3098.
New in 2007:
Display of live Highland cow; John & Debbie Jenkins, Oz Highland Farm, Auburn, KS, southwest of Topeka, (785)213-1040. Display of tanned hides, bleached skulls, polished horns and a full shoulder mount of a Scottish Highlander. Concessions including a breakfast sandwich made with eggs, Scottish sausage and cheese; charbroiled hamburger, franks and sausage made from farm raised, USDA Inspected, all natural grass fed, 100% Scottish Highland beef.
Regional Connection:
Sunday, September 23rd, RoJean Loucks, Salina folk harp artist, performer, composer, recording artist, instructor and therapeutic harper. Performing as well as leading several hands-on sessions for learning to play the Celtic harp. (785)827-4419, http://www.roharps.com
Also at the Festival All Weekend:
Scottish and Irish dancers, bagpipe bands, Scottish and Irish folk musicians, British cars, children's activities and games, falcon and raptor exhibit, border collies herding sheep, ethnic food and fun. Complete schedule, descriptions of groups and activities at: http://www.macfestival.org
2007 Music Headliners:
All are new to the festival, except for Alex Beaton, who performs each year in McPherson:
Friday, September 21st, 7 to 8 p.m., free concert with Alex Beaton, plus the clan fire ceremony at the band shell, Lakeside Park. Contact: Dennis Clark (620)241-6525
Parking & Accessibility:
- Shuttles bring people from McPherson High School parking lot to the Festival grounds. Some on-street parking near festival gates.
- Handicap parking (with appropriate handicap sign) at McPherson Water Park, at Simpson Street
- New in 2007: Mobility carts and wheelchairs for rent. Advanced reservations: (913)538-6215 http://www.mobilityrentalservice.com/
A special thank you to: Kathy Kajinami, Festival promotions, McPherson (KS) Scottish Festival for all your wonderful information!
 McPherson  McPherson Scottish Festival  McPherson Kansas
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