Alaska Scottish Highland Games returning to Palmer

PALMER — The Alaska Scottish Highland Games are returning to the Alaska State Fairgrounds Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.

The Highland Games will feature a variety of traditional Scottish games that involve feats of strength and skill. Athletes from all walks of life and experience levels come from across the state to compete in games such as axe throwing, the sheaf toss, the caber toss, and the Challenge Stone.

Overall preparations for this year's event are going very well, according to Alaskan Scottish Club Executive Director, Jeni McDaniel. McDaniel said there’s been a huge increase in ticket sales, vendors, and athletic participation. She said there’s 148 heavy events athletes in the 2024 field which is the largest they've ever had.

“I think it's going to be a really huge year,” McDaniel said.

This year's event will also feature the 2024 Women's World Championships, drawing female athletes from across the globe.

That is just the icing on the cake,” McDaniel said. “I think that will be the highlight of the year for sure.”

The 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games will feature a large variety of local vendors offering various goods and services throughout the two day event. There will be numerous games and activities for all ages.

There will be many beloved athletic events and community activities in addition to a spectrum of new additions such as the Denali Stones (based on the Dinnie Stones in Scotland) and the Beard, Braids, and Mustache Contest.

“There's so much to do. There's two whole days completely full of things to do,” McDaniel said.

Another major draw to the Highland Games is the variety of Celtic themed music guests that come from across the world to perform such as The Harp Twins who are returning once again. McDaniel said that she's very excited the Harp Twins keep making the trip up to Alaska.

“They've really become a part of the Highland family up here,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel said that everyone at the Alaskan Scottish Club feels so much joy being able to immerse locals and visitors alike in Scottish culture each year.

"It's so cool we get to share with so many people,” McDaniel said. “Give us a chance because I promise you will have a good time.”

For more information about the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games, visit alaskanscottish.org/ashg

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com