by Scott Sacry
The Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering has grown into one of the biggest events in the Bitterroot Valley over the last 17 years. This year was no exception, as people from all over the Bitterroot, Montana and beyond converged at the Daly Mansion in Hamilton on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16.
Smoke filled the air the week leading up to the event, but as if preordained by the Celtic god Lugh, the smoke cleared, the sun came out and the weather was splendid.
The two-day event was packed with live entertainment and athletic competition, and those attending enjoyed drinking, eating, dancing, shopping, tasting, touring, congregating and celebrating.
Opening Ceremony
The cornerstone of the event was the Opening Ceremonies, which began at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The crowds lined the lawn of the historic Daly Mansion grounds to watch the Grand March of clans, bands and athletes, the presentation of the flags of the Celtic nations, the piping awards, a playing of the “Flowers of the Forest” to remember those who passed the previous year and the introduction of the Honored Clan. This year’s honored clan was Clan Mackay.
The Games
As Celtic revelers roamed the grounds, athletes of all ages could be seen competing in traditional Celtic game events at several locations. The events included the Weight Over Bar, Weight for Distance, Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss and Stone Put. The adult competitions took place on Saturday, while the junior (ages 12-15) and kids (ages 5-11) competitions took place on Sunday.
The Scottish American Athletic Association (SAAA) sanctions the Bitterroot Highland Games athletic competitions. As a special treat, at the Opening Ceremony, Garrett Middleton, Corvallis High School track throws coach, ceremoniously started the games with a well executed caber throw.
The Gathering
The gathering included a wide variety of activities, which included a robust group of Celtic-leaning musical performances, Irish dancers, pipe bands from around the region, whiskey and mead tasting, Sunday Tea, food and drink vendors and a variety of tents selling traditional and untraditional Celtic wares, fares and knickknacks.
The setting of the event was one of the main attractions, as the historic grounds of the Daly Mansion are a perfect host to the event. The mansion gave free tours and numerous volunteers helped welcome and inform the guests.
Leave a Reply