Once a year a time comes in Central Florida where there is a celebration of all that is Scottish. It is called the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games. Every year it comes and every year I miss it because it is always scheduled on a weekend I have to work. Luck would have it that I was able to arrange my schedule to have this day off work so I could attend this year.
I am glad I finally got to attend.
The first task was to find my clan. I recently became aware of my Scottish heritage so I spent some time trying to locate the clan I hail from. There are a series of tents set up that talk about each of the different clans. Locating my tent proved harder than I thought because a name could possibly be part of a couple different clans. What matters is the area that your relative lived in. I wasn’t 100% sure so it was back to the drawing board to figure that out later.
Along with the clan tents, there were tents set up to purchases things to represent your Scottish pride.
I really wanted to buy a tartan that represents my heritage but not being 100% sure of the clan I held out this time.
Next it was on to the snacks. I started off with a haggis taco from tijuana flats. It was decent. The toppings masked the haggis flavor quite a bit. It was no haggies, neeps and tatties but it would suffice.
I love Sticky Toffee Pudding. But I didn’t get any; too much food to try and I didn’t leave room.
Later on I had a craving for a meat pie. I shared a meat pie and sausage roll with my husband. MMMMM meat in bread, yummmm!
One of the highlights of the festival is the beer vendor Dunedin Brewery. This Florida brewery provides all the tasty beer beverages for the festival.
The only bad thing about the process is the 2 separate line process that these festivals like to do. You wait in one long line for a ticket to buy and beer and then another long line to get served the beer.
They do have these handy pitchers that can be reused year after year. It saves line time.
After gathering food and beverage they have a limited number of tables under tents, or you can sit on the lawn and watch the entertainment.
We ate quickly and went out to watch the entertainment.
I got to listen to some talented bagpipers.
There is an area with highland animals. These two hairy coo’s must have been hot here in Florida.
Finally it is time for the manly man games. We spent some time watching feats of strength.
And my husband tried his hand at archery.
And more manly games.
We finished the night watching a Scottish modern rock band play. I can say it was a very entertaining day and worth the wait.
Here is a short video of some of the nighttime entertainment,