2014 Central Florida Scottish Highland Games - Jan 18/19

**unclevenus** · 11th January 14, 04:57 PM

Due to the popularity of Disney/Pixar's "Brave" (Scottish character), the games have gotten larger in size (est. 30,000 last year). From past experience (as a spectator, and a clan tent member), I would highly recommend trying to get on site and parked near 10-11am as the traffic will bottleneck early in the day. Traffic and beer selling out were the two large gripes last year. If you are a member of a clan, New World Celts, or a St. Andrew's Society, see if you can possibly link up and be part of the parade of clans. The main parade of the clans is at noon (Sat/Sun) and it's the biggest clan related event of both days. Other than that, come with some cash (ATM fees as always), take in the sights, see the sheep dogs herding livestock, enjoy some Albannach and other comparable bands. Usually nice weather for kilts, too.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 11th January 14, 06:22 PM

30,000? How big is the venue? That large an attendance is likely to keep me away. I prefer smaller games, like Gatlinburg and Dunedin.

**unclevenus** · 11th January 14, 06:46 PM

As one who also likes the smaller games, it's hard to turn my back on Central Florida as it's less than 30 minutes from me and is closer than the others (ie: Jacksonville, Dunedin, S. FL). I was much like you as an attendee, preferring smaller and intimate games. I would recommend that if you do go, maybe try Sunday out instead; but I digress, I won't sugar coat it for you. Physically, it is a large venue so to speak. There are a few fields comparable to the size of a football field that house the activity for games (ie: one for caber toss/athletics, another for kids pavillion, another is the main field, another is a sound stage, etc.). I would say probably around 5+ acres covers the span of the area. The only thing that I personally still don't favor is the long food / beer lines after a certain time of the day. If you get to the games prior to peak time, it's not as bad at all. Less drunks, less crowds to have to cut through, etc.

Throughout the day there is everything for a family - the athletics, dancing, pipers, food, entertainment, a children's games area, etc. There is also a clan village in a wooded area that is a bit slower and a relaxed area.

Since the hours for the games are longer than Dunedin (a one day / shorter event), it allows more room for attendance. The attendance is a large number, but it is spread out over two days. Day 1 is fourteen (14) hours long since there is a Ceilidh / several concerts after sunset. Day 2 is roughly 9-5 and a bit slower.

Hoping some of the CFL / Orlando area guys can weigh in their opinion on the games as we all will likely have varied feedback.

Below is the site for the games. There's a complete run down of everything they have to offer:

http://flascot.com/schedule.php

Aye!

**cessna152towser** · 12th January 14, 08:54 AM

The local St. Andrew's Society (of Central FL) tent and nearby areas is good place for the orphans with no clans. It's clan row. Send them that way.

Thanks, I will pass this on to my friends.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 12th January 14, 03:16 PM

Thanks unclevenus, I will probably be there at least one day, as like you, it is the closest games to me. Any plans for a meet up time and place?

**HippieLee** · 13th January 14, 09:53 AM

We'll be there on Saturday - I like big crowds lol - all the exciting stuff happens on Saturdays but it's definitely calmer on Sundays in my experience. As for parking, yes, the traffic going into the park area can get backed up but they do a pretty good job of moving everyone along and directing you to a good spot - every spot is good as they have shuttles running from the parking area to the front gate on a continuous loop all day.

Also advance tickets from a few local vendors and online are 3 bucks lees than day of show tickets.

I was a little sad to note that Clan Buchanan doesn't currently have a tent listed in teh clan area - we have in the past but I guess all my people moved..lol I really don't know how that works as I've only ever been on the spectator side.

I just signed up for a family membership to the St Andrews Society of Central Florida though so will be happy to visit that tent and I know my kilt-maker will be in attendance so I hope to finally meet her and show off the fantastic kilt she made for me.

I've enjoyed attending the games for about the last 10 years but this will be my first one kilted so I am doubly excited!

The Dunedin Brewery supplies a truck full of great beer and if you plan to have more than a glass or two it's a good idea to get the refillable pitcher - If I recall correctly, you get about 4 from a pitcher and the refill is cheaper than buying them a pint at a time. Plus you get to keep the pitcher - in fact, if you have one from previous games, you can just start right in with refills.

So if any of you see me - Buchanan modern kilt, pony tail and bald spot, handlebar mustache, say howdy to Hippie Lee. If it's warm I will most likely have a t-shirt on from some metal concert I've been too - never know which until day of show. lol. I might just wear a regular shirt though...