Enumclaw Highland Games And Festival Guide

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The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival is a beloved annual event that celebrates Scottish heritage and culture in Enumclaw, Washington. This iconic festival has been a staple of the community for over 50 years, drawing in thousands of visitors from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. If you're a fan of traditional Scottish music, delicious food, and exciting competitions, then this festival is a must-attend event for you.

The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival is a unique and exciting event that offers something for everyone. From the thrilling sounds of bagpipe music to the impressive feats of strength in the caber toss competition, this festival is a true celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a newcomer to the festival, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of your experience.

History of the Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival

The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 1960s. The festival was founded by a group of Scottish-American enthusiasts who wanted to share their love of Scottish culture with the community. Over the years, the festival has grown and evolved, but its core mission remains the same: to promote and celebrate Scottish heritage through music, dance, food, and competition.

Today, the Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival is one of the largest and most popular Scottish festivals in the United States, attracting visitors from all over the world. The festival features a wide range of activities and events, including traditional Scottish music and dance performances, athletic competitions, and delicious food and drink vendors.

Events and Activities

The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival features a wide range of events and activities that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Some of the highlights of the festival include:

• Athletic Competitions: The festival features a range of athletic competitions, including the caber toss, hammer throw, and weight throw. These events showcase the strength and skill of Scottish athletes and are a thrilling spectacle for visitors.
• Traditional Scottish Music and Dance: The festival features traditional Scottish music and dance performances, including bagpipe music and Highland dancing.
• Food and Drink Vendors: The festival features a range of delicious food and drink vendors, including traditional Scottish cuisine such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and Cullen skink.
• Children's Activities: The festival features a range of children's activities, including face painting, crafts, and games.

Athletic Competitions

The athletic competitions are a highlight of the Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival. These events showcase the strength and skill of Scottish athletes and are a thrilling spectacle for visitors. Some of the athletic competitions featured at the festival include:

• Caber Toss: The caber toss is a classic Scottish athletic event that involves tossing a large, heavy pole (known as a caber) end-over-end.
• Hammer Throw: The hammer throw is another popular athletic event that involves throwing a heavy ball (known as a hammer) as far as possible.
• Weight Throw: The weight throw is a strength-based event that involves throwing a heavy weight as far as possible.

Traditional Scottish Music and Dance

The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival features traditional Scottish music and dance performances, including bagpipe music and Highland dancing. These performances are a highlight of the festival and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Scotland.

Food and Drink

The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival features a range of delicious food and drink vendors, including traditional Scottish cuisine such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and Cullen skink. Visitors can also enjoy a range of sweet treats, including shortbread and scones.

Traditional Scottish Cuisine

The festival features a range of traditional Scottish cuisine, including:

• Haggis: Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, and spices.
• Neeps and Tatties: Neeps and tatties is a traditional Scottish dish made from mashed turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties).
• Cullen Skink: Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions.

Accommodations and Transportation

The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival is held in Enumclaw, Washington, which is located about 45 minutes southeast of Seattle. Visitors can easily access the festival by car or public transportation.

Accommodations

Enumclaw has a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, including hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts. Visitors can also consider staying in nearby Seattle or Tacoma for more options.

Transportation

Visitors can easily access the festival by car or public transportation. The festival is located near the Enumclaw Expo Center, which is accessible by bus or taxi.

Conclusion

The Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival is a unique and exciting event that celebrates Scottish heritage and culture. With its rich history, thrilling athletic competitions, and delicious food and drink vendors, this festival is a must-attend event for anyone interested in Scottish culture. Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a newcomer to the festival, this guide has provided you with everything you need to know to make the most of your experience.

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to the Enumclaw Highland Games and Festival. Don't forget to share your experiences and photos with us on social media using the hashtag #EnumclawHighlandGames. We look forward to seeing you at the festival!