Every March, there is a tradition here at the beach; one that locals and visitors alike take part in. This extraordinary cultural event is known as the Myrtle Beach Highland Games. This year the games will be held on March 24 and March 25. What a perfect way to kick off the spring season with your family! Paradise Resort has the inside scoop on all things Scottish you need to know to plan your weekend enjoying the beach and the games. Now is the time to start planning.
If you are not familiar with the Scottish Highland games, let us help you get properly acquainted with our version here in Myrtle Beach. The festival features great feats of strength, a Celtic marketplace, Scottish whiskey tasting, the Clan Village, live music and entertainment, a spot for the little ones called the Kids Glen, and other activities suited for the whole family.
Let’s talk about the history and provide you with a little background on the culture so you can really enjoy the festival. The king of Scotland would select the finest athletes from the Highland Games and they would become his personal guards. Clans also used the games to showcase their grand strength without having to go to war. Many of the tools used in the games were created as an alternative to traditional weapons during a time when England forbade any Scotsman from bearing arms.
Aside from the games, the heart of the festival is the deeply rooted Scottish traditions and heritage of this beautiful country and its people. Enjoy watching the men and women compete in full Scottish kilt attire. You will be in awe of the events that include: Turning the Caber; Sheaf Toss; Braemar Stone Throw; Clachneart; Heavy Weight Throw; Light Weight Throw; Heavy Hammer throw; and the Weight Over Bar Toss. In past years records have been broken so you may witness history at the games! If you are unsure of the details of each of the games, visit http://www.myrtlebeachhighlandgames.com/games to learn more about what you’ll be witnessing.
For those in the family over 21 years of age, you can sample some authentic Scottish whiskey. Tastings are held at scheduled times throughout the day and space is limited to 25 spots per tasting. Tickets for this event may ONLY be purchased in advance and sell out quickly. This part of the event is truly unique to the Highland Games and will be different than any other tasting you’ve experienced. You’ll enjoy complementing the fiery spirits with unique Scottish foods. Not only is this a fun-filled event, but it’s also a great way to immerse yourself in another culture for a day and develop an appreciation for another way of life.
Sponsored by Ripley’s of Myrtle Beach, the Ripley’s Kids Glen is where your kiddos are going to really enjoy the day. Intended for kids aged from 6 to 12 that are accompanied by an adult, The Kid’s Glen has face painting, fun activities, and miniature versions of the same events the fully grown athletes take part in. Your kids will even have the chance to win some great prizes! The games for the kids will include: The Caber Toss; The Wellie Boot Toss; 3-Legged Race; One-on-One Tug-O-War; Fight-A-Knight; Archery; Hatchet Throw; and the Sheath Toss. The smaller kiddos, those under the age of 6, will enjoy coloring art work and displaying their masterpieces and creative talents. There is also wearable art featuring all kinds of Scottish designs, a scavenger hunt and inflatables for the kids to enjoy!
The Myrtle Beach Highland Games is a fun-filled festival and for the entire family. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy the low crowds here at the beach and at Paradise Resort, take in the activities of the games and still have your sand and sea vacation.
