Événement

Capital District Scottish Games

The annual Capital District Scottish Games have a long and distinctive history. The Games, originally started in 1939 by the Clan MacRae, are one of the oldest and largest cultural festivals in New York State. Since 1978, they have continued under the auspices of the Schenectady Pipe Band.
The Band, itself 100 years old, leads the Tartan Parade at 12 noon on Saturday of Labor Day weekend at the Altamont Fairgrounds. There will be as many as 200 volunteers working on the Games Field while the parade marches past the Grandstands. These volunteers will be busy organizing events such as the Scottish Breeds Dog Show, the Bonniest Knees Contest, Childrens events, Vendor Booths, Food Services, Pipe Band & Highland Dance Competitions, Clan Gatherings and of course, the Athletic events. A few of the committee members have been volunteering their time since before the band took on the Games 40 years ago, and have seen the Games grow from a small gathering to as many as 15,000 in attendance.
The Massed Band performances are the highlight of the day for volunteers and spectators, as hundreds of pipers and drummers march and perform together at opening and closing ceremonies. The athletic contests go on throughout the day, including the Tossing of the Caber, a fan favorite. The entertainment is non-stop at the Beer Tent, where youll hear the Brigadoons from Ontario, CA, Enter the Haggis, and local favorites such as the McKrells and the Get Up Jack.
Schenectady Pipe Band is a 501c3 not for profit organization