Highland Games return to Palmer Fairgrounds with two-day event

WASILLA— The Alaska Scottish Highland Games is coming back to the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer, featuring an additional day.

The Highland Games kick off Saturday morning and wrap up Sunday evening. Athletes will show off their strength and skills all day with over 70 vendors to browse from and events and activities for visitors of all ages.

“We’re excited because we get to share our Celtic culture. And, if we get to do it over two days rather than one, all the better,” Scottish Club marketing lead, Meg Voss said.

The Highland Games are hosted by the Alaskan Scottish Club each year. Like countless other festivals and large gatherings across the state, the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic. Voss said this is the second time they’ve organized a two-day event, and they’ll likely continue the two-day model from this point forward due to the increased demand.

“It will probably be two days moving forward because the demand is so high, especially from the athletes,” Voss said. “We’re very excited for the games. We’ve got great things planned.”

The Alaskan Scottish Club has been hosting the Highland Games for 40 years. Voss said the games themselves are filled with history.

There are over 100 adult athletes from 10 states and 17 junior class athletes participating in the 2021 Highland Games. Professional and amateur athletes will compete in iconic events and crowd favorites, including the caber toss, stone throw, weight over bar, challenge stone, and sheaf toss.

“We are so excited to be back this year and will be showcasing local and amateur status athletes. Plus, all the other events the community has grown to love will be held throughout our 2-day schedule. There’s something for the entire family,” Jeni McDaniel, Executive of The Alaskan Scottish Club stated in a recent press release.

The overall participation of athletes, vendors, and spectators has grown over the years, according to Voss.

There are several new activities this year, including a number of community-focused games like the Golf Bag Toss, according to Voss. There will also be familiar favorites such as scotch tastings, bagpipe performances, and the popular Tug-O-War event.

“There’s something for everybody, and it’s a very family-oriented event,” Voss said. “We’ve got great things planned… We just keep adding different things.”

2021 Highland Games admission also includes special music performances by out-of-state bands Celtic Aire and the Harp Twins.

Gates open Saturday at 8 a.m. with the opening ceremonies at Noon. Gates open again Sunday at 8 a.m. with closing ceremonies at 5 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit alaskanscottish.org. Daily updates can be found on the official event page at facebook.com/ALASKASHG/.

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