Anybody going to Grandfather Mountain this year?

**Avonlea22** · 15th June 05, 12:39 PM

If I can get the time off from work, I'm going to try and make it. Probably only Saturday, though.

**Kiltedmusiclover** · 15th June 05, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Avonlea22

If I can get the time off from work, I'm going to try and make it. Probably only Saturday, though.

Saturday is a good day but be prepared for the people.
Still, I would come on whichever day I could.
Sunday has a smaller crowd but still all of the events.
They are expecting 50,000 over the 4 days.

**highlandtide** · 15th June 05, 07:39 PM

This year is the 50th Anniversary so there will be a ton of folks there...

**Kiltedmusiclover** · 16th June 05, 04:27 AM

One of my best friends owns a sewing company here in Rutherfordton.
Monday they start making the 50th Anniversary GMHG pillow.
They will also be making the tote bags and ball caps.
One thing I can say about GMHG is they don't half way do something.
I saw the sample of the pillow and it really looks sharp!
They should just let some the better vendors in.
Right Hank!

**highlandtide** · 16th June 05, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Kiltedmusiclover

They should just let some the better vendors in.
Right Hank!;)

Everyone sign the petition!!!!!

LET HIGHLAND TIDE ON THE MOUNTAIN!!!!

...

**macsim** · 16th June 05, 04:36 PM

Grandfather is the literally "the Granddaddy of 'em all." For those who have never been, be prepared for a great time and some inconvenience. The original post mentioned camping so this won't apply in that case but for those who just come for the day, there is no parking at the top unless you are a clan sponsor, patron, etc. You park down the mountain in Linville and ride a school bus to the top. If you want to get back down, start early and even at that, there's a long line stretching back through the campground. The exceptions are Thursday night and Friday where parking is first come, first served. Come early though! Friday is really a good day. Not all the clans come but most of the vendors are open and it's not nearly as crowded. All the fun, half the crowd.

I've been sunburned at GMHG and I've frozen my buns off doing the Call on Thursday night. I've been soaked by rain and blinded by fog. That's life on the mountain. I don't mean to discourage anyone. Just be prepared for anything. I think it's well worth the trip. They're just stuck on top of that mountain and there's no more room to expand so it is what it is.

Also, don't forget the vendors down at the bottom in Linville. I bought both my sons a Utilikilt down there last year. All in all it's a fine event that has just grown beyond all expectations. Must be the allure of men in kilts!

**Celticman** · 16th June 05, 07:26 PM

Well, I've been told it's the "granddaddy of 'em all" as well and I am anxious to go. I chose this event to bring my son, since this is his first highland games, I thought it should be something of a spectacle. And, whether it's raining or foggy (how Scottish would that be!) or hot as hell I fully intend to have the time of my life; and, hopefully it will spur the kid on to take up the heritage as well.

**Kiltedmusiclover** · 16th June 05, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by macsim

Grandfather is the literally "the Granddaddy of 'em all." For those who have never been, be prepared for a great time and some inconvenience. The original post mentioned camping so this won't apply in that case but for those who just come for the day, there is no parking at the top unless you are a clan sponsor, patron, etc. You park down the mountain in Linville and ride a school bus to the top. If you want to get back down, start early and even at that, there's a long line stretching back through the campground. The exceptions are Thursday night and Friday where parking is first come, first served. Come early though! Friday is really a good day. Not all the clans come but most of the vendors are open and it's not nearly as crowded. All the fun, half the crowd.

Amen! Any of you folks that are coming up just for one day take notes.
Not only should those who camp come prepared but so should
those who are coming for the day. A raincoat is a MUST!
Sunscreen too!

Originally Posted by macsim

I've been sunburned at GMHG and I've frozen my buns off doing the Call on Thursday night. I've been soaked by rain and blinded by fog. That's life on the mountain. I don't mean to discourage anyone. Just be prepared for anything. I think it's well worth the trip. They're just stuck on top of that mountain and there's no more room to expand so it is what it is.

Listen close guys. He speaks the truth. It is a little crowded on Saturday.
But the setting and the sounds of the pipes make you feel like your in the
highlands.

**macsim** · 17th June 05, 07:40 PM

I actually drove by the field today. I took the day off just to get away to the mountains and decided to take a look. Last year there was some major storm damage in the area and I was glad to see Hwy 221 has been repaired. However, anyone who might have ideas of coming north up the Blue Ridge Parkway beware. There are still a couple of sections closed, the northernmost being near the 221 exit. You can detour around of course but bring a barf bag!

**highlandtide** · 19th June 05, 06:04 PM

As far as I know there wont be any vendors at the foot of the Mt this year unless I am sorely mistaken. I was among the vendors there last year that got royally screwed byt the guy who organized that bottom vendors...