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Highland Games at Historic Greenmead Park in Livonia
Celebrate Scottish heritage Aug. 4, 2012 at this family fun celebration including music, food, a Wee Bairns kids area and much more
Take the family to Scotland this weekend – without the pricy plane ticket. The Highland Games, a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture, happens Aug. 4, 2012 at Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia.
From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., take part in family activities, music and food, all steeped in Celtic culture. Presented by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit and attracting 10,000 visitors each year, the 163rd annual games are the longest continuously running games in North America.
Activities include piping and drumming, Highland dancing and tug-o-war. Thirty vendors offer Scottish merchandise, food and drink. Stop by the genealogy tent to trace your heritage or visit MacFarlanes Company living history troupe for historical demonstrations and reenactments. Observe world-renowned athletes in the games' centerpiece event: heavy athletics. These competitions run throughout the day and include feats such as the stone put and caber toss.
Celtic music groups will perform from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Large Event Tent, while featured musician Carl Peterson will play the Mid-Field Tent until 4 p.m.
Designed especially for youngsters, the Wee Bairns area has plenty of activities to keep the kids engaged. Paint a shield, toss a caber, march in a parade or drill with the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment. Popular lures also include visits with Scottish animals and a mini tour of Scotland.
Admission is free for children under 12. For adults, tickets cost $10 in advance through Etix or $15 at the door. On-site public parking is available for $5, but lots often fill up by 10 a.m. Free parking and shuttle service are available from Schoolcraft College, between Seven and Six Mile roads.
For more information about the 2012 Highland Games at Historic Greenmead Park in Livonia, check out the Metro Parent listing.
