THE HIGHLAND GAMES AT LIGONIER PENNSYLVANIA
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT – September 8th, 1990 will mark the sixth year of Clan Irwin Association participation in the annual Scottish Highland games at Ligonier, Pa., a few miles east of Pittsburgh on Route 30. The location is at Idlewild Park, a public amusement park, which each year is given over to this great event. All day, from 9:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M., the wooded area is flooded with the sights and sounds of Scotland. Scottish Border Collies demonstrate sheep herding talents. These along with demonstrations and competitions in Highland dancing, country dancing, pipes, drums, and Scottish fiddling. Athletic events include the unique and exciting “turning the caber”, which has been described irreverently as – men in skirts throwing telephone poles. Vendors provide appropriate food treats: meat pies, bridies, Scotch eggs, and short breads.
One particular highlight enjoyed by young and old is the parade of the Clans. We march as a parade unit, carrying our Irvine/Irving/Clan Irwin Association tartan banners and accompanied by the massed pipe bands – always more than a dozen or them. The youngsters, particularly, love being in a parade and often carry some of the banners, Each year the games are followed by a no-host dinner gathering at a local restaurant as a last “gathering of the Clan” before dispersing to the road back home. We anxiously await the games next year!