Schreiner University’s Changing Global Society office and Campus Recreation, in cooperation with the Kerr County Celtic Festival, would like to invite Schreiner students, employees and the community to come experience a Scottish-Celtic Festival

Schreiner University’s Changing Global Society office and Campus Recreation, in cooperation with the Kerr County Celtic Festival, would like to invite Schreiner students, employees and the community to come experience a Scottish-Celtic Festival at the Robbins-Lewis Pavilion on the Schreiner University campus. The Highland Games will take place on Friday, August 17th from 1-4 pm.

The Highland Games originated in Scotland reportedly from King Malcolm III of Scotland, in the 11th century, who wanted to choose a royal messenger.

He had contestants compete on various feats of strength to pick the best man. It was so entertaining that they have continued for centuries.

Now the games have spread all over the world, whether or not there is a lot of Celtic culture in that place. There are over 100 in the US alone.

Three feats of strength will be demonstrated – the caber toss, weight over bar and sheaf over bar. San Antonio Pipes and Drums have also volunteered to play several authentic Scottish bagpipe numbers.

Incoming freshmen will come out to compete in 5 clans – Macdonald, Macdougall, Douglas, Henderson and Wallace. These are more well-known clans from old Scotland. They will try the amateur version of the three feats on the Robbins Lewis field, cumulating with a tug-o-war. There will be slightly easier mini-games inside the pavilion as well.

Community members can come out to enjoy the spectacle which will be started by a moving opening ceremony delivered by Schreiner President and Campus Ministry, called the Kirking (or blessing) of the Tartan. This is especially appropriate because of Schreiner University’s association with the Presbyterian church, a church founded in Scotland.

There will be complementary Scottish pasties, or meat pies, and info about Scottish-Celtic culture throughout the games. Seating in shade is available.

For more information about the Highland Games, please contact Caroline Zeiher, Coordinator of Multicultural Programs at 830-792-7358 or czeiher@schreiner.edu