Central Illinois Highland Games

**Scotus** · 7th March 10, 04:16 AM

The May 15, 2010 Highland Games, sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Central Illinois, will be held in Chatham Illinois at the Chatham Community Park. The town of Chatham is about 5 miles SW of Springfield, IL. Directions will be posted on the Web site as soon as the host hotel has been chosen.

The gates will open at 8:00am rain or shine.

http://central-illinois-celts.org/

**McFarkus** · 7th March 10, 05:29 PM

I attended last year and had a great time. This year, unfortunately, the Chicago Celtic Fest will be held the week before (it has usually been in September). Not sure I can handle two in two weeks.

**Scotus** · 25th April 10, 03:56 AM

I'm still planning on being at these games. I'll be hanging around our Clan Cumming tent, which will actually be filled with Irish Wolf Hounds (not mine).

So, I gather the inside of the tent is mainly for these creatures. If you're at the games, please stop by and say, "Hello."

**Standard** · 25th April 10, 08:57 AM

I think I'll try to make it down. My wife will most likely be taking our daughter west to work for the summer that weekend, but I think I'll be around.

Are these games taking the place of the games which were in the past held at the State Fairgrounds? The year I found out about the games in Springfield they were cancelled due to electrical issues.

We are hoping to get up to the Oakbrook games again this year too for the saturday events.

**Scotus** · 25th April 10, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Standard

I think I'll try to make it down. My wife will most likely be taking our daughter west to work for the summer that weekend, but I think I'll be around.

Are these games taking the place of the games which were in the past held at the State Fairgrounds? The year I found out about the games in Springfield they were cancelled due to electrical issues.

We are hoping to get up to the Oakbrook games again this year too for the saturday events.

Yes, these are the same games as those that had been held at the fairgounds. Chatham Community Park is much nicer and should work quite well for the games. The park will now be the home for future games as well.

**weeknee** · 25th April 10, 12:03 PM

What can one expexct when attending these games? Ive never been or heard of such before. Are the games open to the public? kilts required? This is fairly close to me and am interested in going on an adventure.

**Scotus** · 25th April 10, 12:10 PM

Typical of Highland Games and Festivals, they have Highland games (of course), pipe bands, venders selling Scottish related stuff, clan tents representing various clans, etc. No, kilts are not required, but a lot of people wear them. A lot of other people are just looking for something to do for the day, so they go as a family and may or may not have any connection to Scotland at all. They just come for fun. There are also Highland dance contests, and sometimes there are period Scottish reenactors. Generally, there is a fee. At the Springfield games, it's $10.00 to get in.

I'm not a member of the St. Andrews Society, so I am only attending as it relates to my interest in the cultural activities and my clan tent.

**Standard** · 27th April 10, 07:37 PM

Thanks for the update Scotus. I was trying to decide from their website if it was indeed the same games in a new location, thanks for clearing that up. Maybe I'll see you there.

**Standard** · 15th May 10, 08:34 PM

Well, it was a cold wet, rainny afternoon at the games down in Chatham. The turnout seemed pretty low to me, due in large part to the weather I'm sure. Did you make it over Scotus?