Organizing a Highland Games

Hello Chris,

I held my first game back in 2010.  First I will give you a list of the bare bones of supplies needed:

Tents for the announcer(s)
PA system for announcer(s)
Chairs for announcers, score keepers
Waivers for participation
Score sheets
Pens
Clipboards

Standards for height events
Trig Board (have more than one)
Spray paint
Duct Tape
Extra shackles
Cloth measuring tapes (height events, stone pit, WFD, Hammers)
Poles for measuring (I like ski poles)

Volunteers for shagging weights (I have the athletes do this mostly), tape runners (I do not like having the athletes do this for each other; dicey), score keepers, master score keeper so folks do not have to wait forever as they drive a distance to throw.

Implements:
Heavy and Light Hammer (watch which classes you contest as they use different ones)
Heavy and Light WFD (watch which classes you contest as they use different ones)
Braemar and Open stones (watch which classes you contest as they use different ones)
Cabers (watch which classes you contest as they use different ones; have extra as they break)

Awards given to 1st-3rd place in each class

Insurance!!!

Provide game shirts, water, gatorades, I also supply lunch for the athletes.  We graze as to stopping the action.  YMMV.

Athletes bring their own canopies
Athletes bring their own chairs

More information when I get back from dinner with the family.

whats your city and date?

Part 2

I started off small with only twelve picked athletes that I knew played well together and played well to the crowd.  Since the game was held in a town without a Scottish or strong Celtic community I tried contacting folks like the Hibernians (sp) to no avail.  Managed to get a few vendors and great location to throw (by the local sportsplex with lots of local traffic).

Now in my seventh year we are the second largest game in the state.  Still not tied to festival but this year we were asked to come along with a air show that brings in 8-10,000 spectators for the weekend.  Still trying to get vendors from the other games/gatherings that I throw at but that is no longer my aim.

I aim to put on the best game I can for the throwers.  The other stuff I hope will shack itself out.

FWIW I was told by another thrower/organizer of his own game that I should forget it.  Many times I have thought the same thing but haven't yet.  Good luck.

Miscellaneous:

Advertising.  Local papers, radio, contact the local tourism bureau, chamber of commerce.

Port-a-johns.  Have them close to the field.  The Masters hate having to walk the country mile to get there.

If you can throw all nine events.  Most games do not so that is a draw for fellas looking to score points on NASGA or the SGL circuit or maybe qualify for big games like ones in Minnesota or Pleasenton.  ALWAYS keep on eye on safety.  Watch your vectors and event line up so as to reduce chances of someone getting smucked.

Jason:

Good luck!  Would love to visit Nova Scotia.  If there is anything I can do to help you let me know.

Jase

Highlandspirit wrote: I am also looking to put on a highland games in our local community for 2017. I am originally from Scotland but now live in Truro Nova Scotia. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you Jason for the list, that has been most helpful.   We are looking to do the ancient heavyweights, tug of war, kilted run, kids events, dog events, highland dancers, craft show, clan tents, and a ceilidh dance in the evening. No mean feat. My email is thescotsns@gmail.com

Thanks for your posts.
I took part in the Callander World Highland Games in Scotland for 4 years as a historic re-enactor! So have no idea about how to run this thing - really! Just finding out things as I go along.
I already have my heavyweights lined up, location & hopefully volunteers, am being helped immensely by the Secretary of the Luss Highland Games, Loch Lomond, Scotland and now just need to know all the little (& BIG) things that you don't think of. I'm used to organizing Scottish Burns Supper events and craft fairs. This is my biggest undertaking yet, doing it as part of the Colchester Scots. www.thescotsns.com

Jeremy: