Men In Kilts: The Scottish Highland Games

By Benjy Lipsman in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 16, 2010 4:20PM

Does the World Cup have you in an international sporting mood? Think that if it's not Scottish then it's crap? The Illinois St. Andrew Society hosts their 24th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Oak Brook this weekend, Friday June 18 and Saturday June 19.

The Highland Games include a wide variety of sports traditional to the Isles like rugby, tog-o-war, haggis hurling (there's also a haggis eating competition), and a variety of stone and hammer toss events like 28 lb. Braemar Stone and 56 lb. Weight Throw for Distance. We imagine the competitors will be sporting the tradition tartan kilts (we know they will be in the Kilted Mile Run), so hopefully it won't be too breezy out there. In addition to the competitions, there will also be a number of exhibitions like falconry and hunting dog demonstrations as well as swordplay.

A full service Scottish fest, the weekend includes lots of bagpipe music, dancing, art, a British car show, whiskey tasting and food in addition to the sports. Tickets are $12 for Friday and $17 for Saturday.