Houston Highland Games

**Jack Daw** · 27th January 11, 11:49 AM

As a former member of the HHGA board, I can vouch for what Z has stated, but it goes beyond the HHGA. It has always been difficult to get dedicated volunteers as well as any type of support from the city. Location is important, so trying to centralize the games within the city of Houston is VERY expensive. The city doesn't provide free park space like some of the smaller Texas towns provide their Highland games. I was once on a committee with TriolaMJ to find a new site, and we found a good place, but even the owners of this place, which shall remain nameless, ignored some of their contractual commitments. This cost HHGA some money.

The HHGA and the Houston Highland Games & Celtic Festival are not dead. I'm hopeful we will have the games in 2012.

**jdriskill3** · 27th January 11, 05:02 PM

Well Steve, when you were on the board, did you ever think about the City of Pasadena, Tx. rodeo and fair grounds? I remember them having nice buildings and grounds that don't flood out like the Ranch Club grounds. Since I am not attending this year, I stopped at Spec's and bought a good bottle of Single Malt Scotch. I'll start saving next month for the 2012 Houston Highland Games.

**Jack Daw** · 27th January 11, 05:21 PM

Our committee was in 2000, but I recall visiting one venue in Pasadena. My latest personal investigation was some large property at the Sam Houston Race Track, but the SHRT wanted to control the beer concession.

**jdriskill3** · 28th January 11, 09:21 AM

The City of Pasadena has a few major events like the rodeo and the Strawberry Festival. The rodeo is held in Sept. and the Strawberry Festival is at the end of May according to what I have read on the internet. The convention center is next door to the fair grounds. Its a large property.

**Zardoz** · 28th January 11, 09:25 AM

Steve, did anybody look at the polo club?

I seen that folks have an issue with the Farm & Ranch club, is it the location or the facility? I like that it's undercover, it rains a lot that time of year.

**Jack Daw** · 28th January 11, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Steve, did anybody look at the polo club?

I seen that folks have an issue with the Farm & Ranch club, is it the location or the facility? I like that it's undercover, it rains a lot that time of year.

Oh jiminy, Z! The HHG used to be held at the polo club many years ago before I was involved, until there was a major rain and flood one year. Jerry McIntyre told me once that he remembers walking in knee-deep water and said he'd never come back to the polo club grounds, again. And, so said many of the vendors, the clan gatherers, and the HHGA. If I showed up at one of the monthly meetings and suggested the polo grounds, I'd get tarred, feathered, and driven out of town on a rail. In case I haven't made it clear to you, Zardoz, DON'T mention the polo grounds at a monthly meeting!

**Jack Daw** · 28th January 11, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by jdriskill3

The City of Pasadena has a few major events like the rodeo and the Strawberry Festival. The rodeo is held in Sept. and the Strawberry Festival is at the end of May according to what I have read on the internet. The convention center is next door to the fair grounds. Its a large property.

Yes, we have made a point not to clash with the Strawberry festival to avoid losing crowds on the same weekend. We may need to take a look at Pasadena, again.

**Zardoz** · 28th January 11, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

Oh jiminy, Z! The HHG used to be held at the polo club many years ago before I was involved, until there was a major rain and flood one year. Jerry McIntyre said he remembers walking in knee-deep water and said he'd never come back to the polo club grounds, again. And, so said many of the vendors, the clan gatherers, and the HHGA. If I showed up at one of the monthly meetings, I'd get tarred, feathered, and driven out of town on a rail.

So... that falls into the "We tried it that way years ago and it didn't work" category? There was a little discussion at Molly's Pub a while ago about having a big "Celtic Event" at the Discovery Green park by the GRB. I wonder if the games could work there. I guess my big concern is weather, it rains a lot in May, and at least the F&R has cover! I'd hope any new venue would at least have the a similar set up.

**Jack Daw** · 28th January 11, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

So... that falls into the "We tried it that way years ago and it didn't work" category? There was a little discussion at Molly's Pub a while ago about having a big "Celtic Event" at the Discovery Green park by the GRB. I wonder if the games could work there. I guess my big concern is weather, it rains a lot in May, and at least the F&R has cover! I'd hope any new venue would at least have the a similar set up.

Well, unless they've elevated the field...

Changing the date has been just as difficult. I've been in favor of moving the games to April, but I'm not going to drag out all the arguments I got here. One issue is avoiding conflicts with our favorite vendors' other venues. After years of struggle, I finally got a CD vendor to break from doing Albuquerque to do our games just to have him retire 2 years later.

**trifin** · 29th January 11, 03:37 AM

has anyone thought about the george ranch down in richmond? they have a large covered area and plenty of open fields. does make one wonder about the gators there