The 40^th Annual Savannah Scottish Games will be held on Saturday, May 7th at Bethesda Academy on historic Bynuh’s Field. A celebration of Scottish heritage and music, the Games truly have something for everyone to enjoy including entertainment by Stewart & Winfield and The Accomplices, a Highland dancing competition, traditional heavy athletics, Celtic ale from Asheville, NC’s Highland Brewery, and a wide variety of Scottish art available for purchase.  Donations of art supplies and diapers/wipes will be collected on site to benefit children who attend the Lady Bamford Center, a Savannah-based early childhood development center for low-income and homeless families.

The Savannah Scottish Games are the fourth oldest Scottish Games in the southeastern United States. Over 20 Scottish clans from throughout the country will be represented at the Games in addition to the Scottish District Families Association, an organization that specializes in non-clan based Scottish and Irish ancestry. Genealogy tents will give attendees the unique opportunity to discover their own Scottish and Celtic connections. The day’s festivities will kick off with a parade of clans entering the festival grounds at 9:30 a.m.

Traditional aspects of the Scottish culture have historically been a big draw for many attendees. This year the games will feature Highland bagpipe demonstrations and an Armored & Rapier combat. Traditional heavy athletic events such as the Caber Toss and Hammer Throw will include renowned athletes who are recognized for their participation in Scottish Games throughout the region.

Children have played a significant role in the history of the Savannah Scottish Games, and this year is no exception. Children will enjoy their own mini-version of traditional athletic events including a kilt run, sheaf toss, sack race, and the haggis hurl. The very popular Border Collie demonstrations will be held throughout the day in addition to a tent dedicated to Scottish folk storytelling.

In celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of the Games, Savannah Scottish Games Founder Gordon Varnadoe and the Scottish Clan MacRae will be honored for their deeply rooted and longstanding support of the Savannah Scottish Games. Varnadoe and the Clan MacRae have both played an instrumental role in the history of the games and its success within the southeastern United States. Media personalities Jim Carswell and Bill Edwards in addition to Savannah artist Mick McCay will all serve as Masters of Ceremonies for the 2016 Games.  

Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. and closing ceremonies will take place at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 with student or military ID, and free for children 10 and under. For a full schedule of events and more information on the 40^th Annual Savannah Scottish Games, please visit www.savannahscottishgames.com.