2009 Stone Mountain Highland Games

**thescot** · 5th October 09, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Leprechaun-91

Imagine 3 hours of those same 30 bands marching at parade in competition under a rodeo pavilion with packed grandstands. Brisk October evening air. It really did bring tears to my eyes. (I do get choked at the massed bands as well.)

It was truly a great evening. I remember the year the Marine Band from New Orleans was there, and they had surprising part when guys dressed in WWII uniforms came running out and planted the flag in an Iwo Jima pose. The crowd went nuts.

Then they played the Marine Hymn with all the massed bands, and there were no dry eyed Marines in the house. And you knew who we were because we were all standing at attention. Imagine a few hundred old guys scattered through the crowd, snapping to the best attention they could muster--some with canes and walkers--and most with tears on their cheeks.

It was great when they had that tattoo.

**kiltedsawyer** · 6th October 09, 08:21 AM

I remember the Tattoo. My wife and I went to the very last one held there at Stone Mountain. What a great evening. I think that was the year that the Scottish Power band was there. That was several years before I even owned a kilt. I'd go to that again in a heartbeat! Don't know if I'll make the gathering this year, we may go to the games on Sunday only. Bringing some family that have never been to the games, and there seems to be a wider array of activities on Sunday. We'll see.
David

**WClarkB** · 6th October 09, 06:40 PM

Is anyone interested in a Kilt night on fri Oct 16?

**JolyStNicholas** · 7th October 09, 02:48 AM

I am arriving Friday early afternoon, an after resting for a short bit will be ready for just about anything . What have ye in mind? Any one know of any good pubs with in short distance of Stone Mountain?

**Leprechaun 91** · 7th October 09, 05:00 AM

There is a Whiskey tasting on Friday Night in Norcross at the host Hotel. I plan on being kilted.

**WClarkB** · 7th October 09, 05:33 AM

A whisky tasting sounds like a good place to start. Is this an open event or do we need to get an invite?
I am not familiar with the area pubs but the greater atl area should have a few nice watering holes

**Cawdorian** · 7th October 09, 07:00 AM

Hey Guys,

Haven't been on here for a long time, but did stop by to see who was going to Stone Mountain this year.

I will offer the hospitality of the Lamont Tent as is our tradition. If you have decided to meet at another tent, please let us know, so we can redirect anyone who shows up.

Southern Scot and I will be at the Lamont Tent on Saturday and Sunday.

Count me in for dinner on Saturday night, I'm looking forward to seeing you guys.

**Cawdorian** · 7th October 09, 07:07 AM

The Whisky Tasting is at 3:30 PM Friday at the Host Hotel, tickets are $15 and can still be purchased on-line at www.smhg.org.

The Piping Recital is at 6:00 PM Friday following the Whisky Tasting, Tickets are also available on-line.

Hint - If you buy tickets on-line you can get a parking pass good for the entire wekend for $ 8.00.

**Jack Daw** · 7th October 09, 09:22 AM

I cannot die until I have visited these games.

**thescot** · 7th October 09, 12:27 PM

Jack Daw, DO NOT die until you have visited. What are you doing next weekend?

BTW, there used to be an Irish pub across from the German restaurant, but I don't know if it's still there.

And . . .Conyers, where I live, is only about a 20 minute drive from Stone Mountain, but we have an excellent Celtic Tavern where we've been hosting the Burns Suppers every year. You are welcome to make the trek over here if you like on Friday evening. It would be an easier drive than going into Atlanta for sure, and it's a lot more laid back and friendly when you get here. I'll meet anyone there who's coming.

Or . . .you could go to the Irish pub called James Joyce which is not too far from Stone Mountain. Someone sing out. I vote for Conyers, but then I live here.

Here's a map to James Joyce: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um...image&resnum=1