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The Ohio Scottish Games are held the 4th Saturday of
June at the Lorain County Fairground in Wellington, Ohio. Established in 1977, The Ohio Scottish Games are the Premiere Games
in the area. A fun family day, full of entertainment for everyone.
This year marked the 32nd that the Ohio games have been in existence. Competitions in various fields included:
Highland Dancing, Athletics, Solo piping and Drum competitions, Fiddle, Harp, and the Gaelic Mod. There was the running
of the kilted mile. The continuous entertainment featured Scottish singers, musicians and dancers. Border collies
demonstrated their prowess, highland cattle were on display as were Clydesdales. There were children's games, clan tents,
many vendors and craftors selling items to everyone's taste and pocketbook, great pipe bands and a massed band that thrilled
all those within earshot.
Everything about the games this year was just about perfect. The weather cooperated beautifully all weekend.
The Friday concert was lovely with Charlie Zahm enthralling the crowd. It was indeed a grand presentation. After
the concert, Donne & Craig Shepperly managed to convince many folks to carry a torch for their clan or group. Dancing,
singing, and entertainment in the pavilion followed the torchlight parade. It was a gorgeous starry night, and as Pat Urquhart
pointed out with her always charming smile - we could even see the moon. Michelle Cameron helped direct the Grand March (always
fun) - members of the Scottish American Society led. The "Gey Gordons" got lots of folks up on the floor, but many ran out
of steam at the fast pace set.
We did our Genealogy table on Saturday and were absolutely swamped. I hope we were able to direct folks to the right
clan tables - though we didn't have anyone for Clan Claus that their chief didn't solicit on his own. Folks from that
clan came long distances to participate. He has promised to return next year with a bigger and better display.
What fun!
The Mod banquet/ceilidh at the Oberlin Inn was as charming as ever. Frances Acar did her usual wonderful job of arranging
things. After an excellent dinner and the awards to the singers, the evening was highlighted by a champion highland dancer,
a charming step dancer, Celtic songs by Mick Hurray and Anne Alexander, various raconteurs and the spellbinding voices
of the of the Gaelic singers from here and from Scotland.
What a wonderful weekend. I'm just sorry it's over. For those of you
who missed it, I'm truly sorry, too. This was one of the best. Only one problem - it will be really tough to top
it next year. But I think I can speak for everyone when I say - we'll give it a heck of a try. Mark it on your
calendar for next year, folks. It's a great day out for an individual or a family. A must for all who have even
a wee drop of Scottish blood or an interest in the culture and sound of Scotland.
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| Photo collage thanks to Sheila Bernes |
In 2009 the games were held the 26th, 27th, and 28th of June. On June 27th, the Scottish American Society had a
welcome area there, together with an extensive display of Scottish History and culture. We also helped visitors
with information on Genealogy and directing folks to their own clan heritage.
Click here for photos taken at the 2009 games.
Mike Mihalic at the Creiff Perthshire games...
Of particular interest is the fact that the Ohio Scottish Games are now "twinned" with the Creiff Perthshire Scottish
Games (in Scotland). A recent article in the Highlander Magazine (Jan/Feb 2009 issue) featured a photo our own Mike
Mihalic (president of Ohio Scottish Games) signing a proclamation to that effect with John McWilliam, chairman of the
Creiff Highland Games. If you have the issue, check page 69.
For detailed information on the games and on the Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, click here.
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