2014 Central Florida Scottish Highland Games - Jan 18/19

[unclevenus]

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]

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]

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]

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...

[JohntheBiker]

In Orlando from the 18th to 25th. May just make it if I can convince the master scheduler.

[Sammac]

Will be there on Sat. and watching this thread for info on any meet ups.

[unclevenus]

I'll be in between a few tents in the clan village. Send me a message if you want to stop by at one of them. Mention xMarks and you'll get a free dram of some sort. This is not a promotion for the site by any sort, but it's just an excuse for a dram.

HippieLee, great point. Dunedin Brewing is a good one, too. It will be a cold one, but perfect for keeping our cool ones cold. Scotch can always warm us up, though.

As for Buchanan not being there. Pretty crazy. Would think they'd definitely be one of the mainstay tents.

[Farquhar]

I was going for sure, but after learning that tenting this year wasn't possible for our comissioner I may not go. Still giving it a solid thought, though.