Originating in the Scottish Highlands during the 11th Century, Highland Games have long been a favorite spectacle, and they’re sure to be a major draw again at the 2019 St. Augustine Celtic MUSIC & Heritage Festival March 9 & 10.  You’ll see some of the most impressive kilt-wearing athletes around challenge one another in traditional Scottish heavy athletics and strength competitions, including the Scottish weight throw, and the always entertaining caber toss.

The Scottish Highland Games are traced back to King of Scots Malcolm III, who summoned contestants to a footrace in order to find the fastest runner in the land to serve as royal messenger. Over the centuries, Highland Games events have expanded to include entertainment and exhibits celebrating Scottish and Gaelic culture.  Thousands of fans from throughout Florida,  Georgia and the Carolinas turn out every year for the St. Augustine Celtic Festival Highland Games.

Athletes march in the parade.

HIGHLAND GAMES-Saturday & Sunday Beginning at 10 AM (Athletes should arrive by 9 AM)

• $30 per athlete to compete for the weekend.
• Registration includes athletic participation, free Festival general admission, and free lunch for day(s) of participation.  Athletes who register before February 15 also receive a free Festival tee shirt.
• Awards will be presented at the close of each day’s competition.
• Athletes are invited to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 9 at 10 AM.  (If you march in the Parade, you will be scheduled for competition later in the day.)

Each day’s competition is new and has no bearing on the results for the next day.

Awards will be presented at the close of each full day of competition.

CLASSES OF COMPETITION:

Masters Men, Age 40-49 (SATURDAY)
Masters Men, Age 50+ (SATURDAY)
Women’s Masters, Age 40+ (SATURDAY)
Women’s Open (SATURDAY)
Men’s Class A (SUNDAY)
Men’s Class B (SUNDAY)
Senior Masters Men, Age 55+ (SUNDAY)
Masters Men Light Weight (SUNDAY)
Novice Men (SUNDAY) (up to 3 games’ experience or never competed)

EVENTS INCLUDE:

– Open Stone Put (16 lb. thrown for distance in any style)
– Braemer Stone Throw
– 56 lb. Weight for Distance
– 28 lb. Weight for Distance
– Caber Toss (size and weight of caber differs between the classes of athletes)
– Sheaf Toss (16 lb. burlap bag tossed with a pitch fork for height)
– 56 lb. Weight for Height

If you have any questions, contact Bob Gourlay, Athletic Director at Games@celticstaugustine.com.