Scottish Highland Games Debut in Fairbanks
Story by Amber McCain, photos by David McCain
Bagpipes, kilts and cheers filled the air Saturday, Aug. 9, as the Alaska Dog Mushers Association field on Farmers Loop Road hosted the inaugural Midnight Sun Scottish Highland Games. According to the Midnight Sun Scottish Highland games Facebook page, more than 2,000 attendees gathered for a full day of competition, culture, food, and family fun under the glow of the Interior’s late summer sun. The Alaska Scottish Club, who has put on a similar event in Palmer for years, hosted the first-ever Fairbanks Highland Games.
Upon arrival a butterfly-winged member of Fairbanks’ group, The Barony of Astral Winds, warmly welcomed people offering a kind compliment and an affectionate “butterfly kiss”, or hug. It was a fitting introduction to a day that centered on community and lighthearted fun.
Festival-goers of all ages walked around exploring the handmade crafts, enjoying hearty fare from local food trucks, and caught up with the community. Vendors sold everything from corsets and canes, to handmade soaps, drinking horns, card readings, and Scottish-themed gifts.
The food truck scene included local vendors like The Hungry Robot, Wok-N-Roll, Alaska Cheesesteak Company, and Twisted and Squeezed. Sweets and other goodies came from vendors such as Jazzy Gourmet Popcorn, Welsh Cakes and Quirky Chocolates, and The Scone Cottage.
For adults, Beard Brothers Meadery hosted a beer garden full of crowd favorites like the Oatmeal Stout & Blue Tartan (11.9%).
“When in doubt, grab a stout! ” David McCain, volunteer photographer said during a break under tents, tucked away from the sun and crowd.
Colorful clan banners hung, marking booths filled with friendly faces eager to share their heritage. Some of the clans present were MacLeod, Lindsay, MacTavish, and Clan Donald USA.
Foldable chairs lined the edges of the arenas as over 70 athletes, clad in plaid, tried their hand in traditional events that included the caber toss and hammer throw. Eight judges oversaw the action. Scottish heritage was not required to join the competition.
In the crowd-favorite tug-of-war tournament, four teams of kilt wearers battled for bragging rights. Fairbanks CrossFit #1 came in strong, but it was the Highland Hotheads who took the second round. The final came down to a dramatic showdown between the Hotheads and Northside Athletics , who had earlier bested The Meat Pies. After some back-and-forth drama including a pause in the game to address the rules when the Hotheads team tried to ‘seat their anchor’ - meaning the person at the end of the rope tried to sit down with the rope wrapped around themselves - Northside Athletics came out victorious, winning the final round mere seconds.
Between rounds, children joined in a mini tug-of-war. At one point, while finding volunteers for tribute, kids to play, a voice boomed over the speakers: “Rob Moody! Please turn around and bring your kid!” as the crowd chuckled, Moody did in fact turn around and bring his kid to complete.
The day featured live performances by the Fairbanks Red Hackle Pipe Band and a variety of Scottish dances in the afternoon. Vendors Snow Thistle Tea and Curvy Mermaid added a cozy, boutique vibe, while Sunshine Health Foods and Epic Sages rounded out the experience.
Toward the end of the day, a raffle winner was announced. Terrin Holliman is headed to Scotland, having won the grand prize of the inaugural Scotland Trip Raffle, which organizers say will become an annual tradition.
The Highland Games featured more than 40 volunteers, 35 vendors, 72 athletes, four athletic teams, majestic falcons, and even a Highland cow, named Aurora. The event’s planning committee said they were thrilled with the turnout.
“We made history under the glow of the midnight sun,” read an official thank-you post from the Alaska Scottish Club. “Fairbanks, you showed up and made it spectacular.
Plans are already underway to bring the event back next year. If the passion and plaid of the inaugural games were any indication, the Highland spirit has found a home in Interior Alaska.
Pic captions:
A mother and son caught up watching the clouds rather than the games happening behind them.
Fairbanks’ Red Hackle Pipe Band performs for the crowd.
(flags blowing in the wind pic) A warm day, a light breeze, and the inaugural Midnight Sun Scottish Highland Games.
A wee bit of Scottish tradition on display as a participant attempts the Sheaf toss, a test of precision and strength.
Crowds gather around the Clan booths, learning about tradition and heritage under the midnight sun.
Games participant takes his turn at Weight Over Bar during Fairbanks’ first-ever Scottish Highland Games.
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums taking turns performing solos.
A classic display of Highland Games athleticism: the hammer toss.
Even pipers need a lunch break. Members of the Red Hackle Pipe Band weigh their options.
Spectators eagerly cheer on Tug-of-War competitors.
Northside Athletics team members give it their all.