Loading ...Portland Scottish Highland Games Review
Saturday, July 17th 2010, marked the 58th Annual Portland Highland Games at Mt. Hood Community College. The first Oregon Scottish Games were held in Portland in 1952 at Jantzen Beach. The Portland Highland Games Association (PHGA) was established in 1960 and grew from there. In 1988, The Games moved to Mt. Hood Community College and have been held there since.
There were three exciting additions to this year’s Games. Firstly were the Guest Band, The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Burnaby, B.C. These guys were fantastic! Simon Fraser is Grade One Band and have consistently placed in the top third in world competition since the early 90’s and have won Grade One Championships six times: 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2008 and 2009. SFUPB is one of only three bands located outside of the UK that have won a World Pipe Band Championship, so this was a rare and impressive appearance to our Games this year.
Secondly is the addition of a Regimental Drum Major Competition. Often overlooked, the
Drum Majors are an integral part of any band. Their colorful and elaborate dress must be worn to very high and exacting standards, and they must lead demonstrating dignity and control for their band. This was fun to watch.
Lastly was a very ingenious and exciting feature for the audience; Rob Barrick, owner of BarBarrick Music, made live recordings all throughout the day of all the Pipe Bands and made a cd available the very same day for purchase! I thought this was a great idea and proceeds of course went to help support the pipe band competitions in future years.
Moving on to another favorite part of the Games, (besides the Pipe Bands): the music! Once again this year, we were treated to our very own local fiddling champion, Rebecca Lomnicky. This young lady is amazing! Rebecca won the junior division of the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Competition at 13 years of age, and has won numerous awards and accolades ever since. Last year in 2009 she won The 20th Annual Glenfiddich International Scottish Fiddle Championship. Wow! Not at all bad for someone so young. Joining Rebecca on stage also was the talented Peter Willis on guitar, and David Brewer from the Band Molly’s Revenge on pipes and flutes. David is incredible to watch!
Speaking of: Molly’s Revenge also made an appearance this year. This California based quartet has been around for over ten years and are an amazing band.
Another local trio, Beltaine, was yet another addition to the musical roster. These guys are great, too- dulcimers, guitars, flutes and marimba offer up a traditional celtic flavor and sound that takes one back hundreds of years. Lastly but certainly not least, Cathy Speer, guitarist and songwriter, performed her irish and Scottish tunes.
Finally, on a personal note, My Friend Alan suggested to me early on that he and I 
compete in “The Kilted Mile” race this year. For those unfamiliar, “Kilted Mile” is an ancient one-mile running race, ran in a kilt, (mandatory) to determine the fastest and most worthy warriors in battle. (Back in the day, not so much warrior these days!) Not having run any race at all since grammar school, I had my reservations to say the least. But with Alan’s coaching and support, and some training we both not only completed the race but we each took third in our respective categories. Thanks, Alan!
I had fun and it was quite an experience, however, don’t look for this blogger to be tossing any Cabers anytime soon.
There’s still time and a few Highland Games going on yet this summer. I encourage you to get out and go to one or more and enjoy what they have to offer. There’s something for everyone from 3 years of age to 93. Look for one in your community and go experience the “Spirit of The Scots”. You won’t regret it.
www.phga.org
www.sfupb.com
www.barbarrickmusic.com
www.rebeccalomnicky.com
www.mollysrevenge.com
www.beltainemusic.com
