The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering (BCGG) returns to the Bitterroot Valley for its 14th year on Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20. The annual event is presented by the Bitterroot Celtic Society and will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Daly Mansion just outside of Hamilton.
Over the years, the event has grown into being one of the largest and most anticipated events of the summer in the Bitterroot. Board member Cheryl Tenold says, “We are looking forward to bringing the community a weekend of music and dance, athletics, sports, sheepherding dogs, Celtic culture, and family fun. In addition to all the favorites like athletic and pipe and drum competitions, food and drink, and Celtic merchandise, we’ve added even more entertainment this year.”
The Bitterroot Games hosts the largest sanctioned Highland Athletic Competition in the state of Montana, attracting kilted athletes from far and wide to compete in contests such as the caber toss, sheaf toss, weight over bar and weight for distance, hammer toss, and stone put. The adult competitions are all held on Saturday (pre-registration is required; rules and registration are at bcgg.org), and juniors and kids are on Sunday (sign up onsite). Since competitions are scattered throughout the grounds, spectators can see it all and cheer on the athletes in their favorite events.
Celtic music and dance is an important part of the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering. Live music will be presented on two stages throughout both days. On the Music Tent stage, four bands will provide nonstop entertainment. “We are always very proud of the music we bring to the Games each year,” said Tenold. “New to the Games this year is renowned Irish singer Aoife Scott. We’re also bringing back some favorites from prior years, including House of Hamill, Blaggards, and Swagger.” The Gazebo Stage will feature performances by Hunter Koss, the Katie Jane Band, Teton Skye, and the Artwork Music Studio. All entertainment is included in the price of admission to the Games.
Throughout the weekend, the dance tent will present an array of Scottish Highland and Irish dance performances, demonstrations, and workshops, including introductory classes that anyone is welcome to participate in. Dancers from the Missoula Highland Dancers, the Missoula Irish Dancers, the Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance, and the An Daire Academy of Irish Dance will all be participating.
Highland Games would not be complete without bagpipes and drums, and there will be an abundance of them at the Games. There will be competitions for pipe and drum bands, and for individual pipers and drummers. Outside of the competitions, they are sure to be found at every corner of the grounds all weekend.
Merchandise vendors will be offering a wide array of Celtic-oriented items such as jewelry, gifts, clothing, and decor. The Bitterroot Celtic Society will also have a souvenirs and gifts tent featuring commemorative items such as BCGG clothing, glassware, and other souvenirs.
Food and drink will be available from a wide variety of food vendors, along with beer and mead from local breweries. Those interested in sampling several types of mead, tasting some premium Scotches, or comparing Scotch vs. Irish whiskeys can partake in one of the several guided tasting sessions scheduled throughout the weekend. Tickets for the tasting sessions can be purchased online at bcgg.org, or at the Celtic Society’s merchandise tent at the event, while they last.
The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering hosts a large “clan gathering” of many Scottish and Irish clans. A record number of clans will be pitching tents in the clan village this year, sharing their family histories, and welcoming visitors and perhaps some long-lost relatives.
A free cèilidh is open to the public from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. A cèilidh (or céilí in Irish) – pronounced “kay-lee” in either case – is an informal party with music, dancing, singing, and storytelling. Everyone is welcome to attend the cèilidh, have some fun, and learn some cèilidh dancing. Admission to the grounds and the cèilidh is free to all starting at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Sunday morning opens with a non-denominational “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” church service at 9 a.m. All are welcome to attend this traditional Scottish-American service.
During each day’s Grand Parade and Opening Ceremony, a moving memorial to those who have passed away in the past year is presented. All the pipers join in playing the reverential tune “Flowers of the Forest” while the names of lost loved ones are read. Names to be read at the Flowers of the Forest ceremony can be submitted at bcgg.org, or at the information tent at the Games.
The historic Daly Mansion will also be open for self-guided tours on both days.
The Bitterroot Celtic Society events are run by volunteers, and volunteers are always needed to keep the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering running smoothly. Says Tenold, “There are jobs to fit everybody, from setup on Friday to tear down on Sunday and everything in between. We’d love to have you join our group of dedicated members. Besides free admission to the event, you’ll get the satisfaction of working with a great group of people and knowing you helped make it happen.” Information about the Bitterroot Celtic Society and volunteer opportunities can be found on the society’s website, bcgg.org.
The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the free cèilidh from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
General admission for ages 12 and up is $12 ($10 with military ID) on Saturday, and $9 ($6 with military ID) on Sunday. A weekend pass for both days is $18. Kids 11 and under are free.
Parking on the Daly Mansion grounds is very limited, and guests are asked to park for free at Hamilton High School or Ravalli Fairgrounds north parking lot. Free shuttles will run continuously from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday. Families with strollers and others needing assistance can be dropped off on-site near the entrance gate before the driver parks at the offsite parking. Handicapped parking is available on site in the Daly Mansion parking lot.
Note that dogs are not permitted on the Daly Mansion grounds.
See bcgg.org for more information about the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering.