What would you suggest?

[dfmacliam]

I was pleased reading semiomnicents thread about his collecting data about the Highland Games. I recently had a conversation with my very good friend, and new forum member "Cloud" about possibly starting a Highland event in his community, and I thought I could get some good advice from the forum.

Cloud is from Mena, Arkansas, which is located in western Arkansas, in the Ouachita Mountains, a beautiful area that is a must ride area for many motorcycle enthusiasts, an area I like to call the Arkansas Highlands. Cloud was talking with the mayor of his town about getting an event that will become an annual event, that would possibly draw guests from around the country and more.

I proposed to Cloud, that he suggest a Scottish/Celtic event that would draw the locals, because of the evident Scottish and Irish heritage. Cloud is of Scottish and Welsh blood, himself.

Here is what I am seeking.... Suggestions on a grassroots beginning to establishing a Highland/Celtic event... here is the draw back... We are talking about an area, smack dab in the middle of the Bible Belt. The Churches will not support the event if there is alcohol and paganism involved (so the Ren Faire atmosphere would not really fly). What would be approving would be a family friendly, culturally fitting event/series of events, that would be an enjoyment to all guests.

I personally would like to see the readability of a Highland Games, traditional music, clan representation (a good opportunity for the clans to expand membership in an untouched part of America), demonstrations of cultural significance, and so on.

Give me some suggestions we or should I say Cloud could present, that would be readable for a first time event, that would have the opportunity to grow into a larger, and annual event.

I appreciate your suggestions, and remember this is an idea that has been untried in this region, so the first event will probably be on a shoestring budget, till the city council sees the benifit of holding this as an annual event.

Thank you on behalf of Cloud and myself.

[EagleJCS]

Check out the schedule of events at the Glasgow (KY) Highland Games. The main event takes place in a State Park (no alcohol allowed), in a 'moist' county (in town you can buy drinks with dinner, by the glass, but only recently so - the whole county was dry before).

There's four days of stuff all together. Seems to do pretty well, but it's been on a shoestring the last couple of years. Barren County is in the north-central area of the "Bible Belt".

[Jock Scot]

Sounds like the Mayor and Cloud ought to visit Scotland, for intensive research,all expenses paid, for two months and visit Scots highland games, there appears to be less razzmatazz than North American games . Particularly in the Highlands where religion(I will say no more) still, in places, holds considerable sway. Alcohol is drunk, it is Scotland after all, but not in huge quantities and frankly I don't think anyone would notice if it was not available.At a guess, at most Highland Games in Scotland the finances are pretty shaky, so there is another thing that is in common.

[Zardoz]

Peacekeeper, It's a small world! My Dad and I visited Mena and some other area towns about 12 - 15 years ago, chasing down some of my bushwacking ancestors! It's a nice little town, but you're right about the church thing, it was heavy Southern Baptist.

It was not really the focus of what we were doing there, but if I recall my research in that area right, I think like 12 to 15% of the population claimed Irish decent, and a likewise percentage German. I recall seeing a couple of Germatic club type meeting halls. I don't remember that much Scots heritage listed, less than 3 or 4%.

I'd guess that the first thing I'd suggest your friend do is look up any Celtic heritage or music clubs or groups in town and the surrounding area, I'd think they would be a good place to get the ball rolling on such a event.

[ctbuchanan]

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor. Check the website for the Scotland, Connecticut Highland Games. http://www.scotlandgames.org/

This is small one day only event in rural Eastern Connecticut and one of my favorites. It is Scottish only with a small athletics event, piping and dancing.

Some questions I would have: Do you have any pipe bands in the area that would come - get them. Are there Highland Athletes in the area- get them. Then start to seek out the clans and see if people are interested in putting up tents. With that start I would think you could get a small crowd to start.

Some events here in New England have not fared well the last couple years because of the economy. But several well run smaller Games are doing just fine.
And by the way most of the smaller events in our area do NOT have alcohol.