Date: June 19-20, 2009
Cost: $8 for Friday ($1 for ages 3-12), $13 for Saturday ($3 for ages 3-12) regular weekend passes available for $18 ($70 Patron pass includes Ceilidh on Friday night)
Organizer: Illinois Saint Andrew Society
What to expect: All the traditions of Scotland in one compact package: bagpipes, rugby, Scotch, Haggis, dancing and more.
Why to go: Event attendee competitions include a Haggis Hurling Contest (for women only) and a Sexy Legs and Knobbly Knees Kilt Contest. And don't forget about the Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a traditional celebration of Celtic music and dance.
Additional info: Traditional "games" in the Scottish highlands were athletic contests like throwing weights for distance. This festival includes that (all day Saturday at the Athletics Field) and much more, including traditional music, scotch seminars and a shortbread contest. Patron passes include adult admission, exclusive access to the VIP Hospitality Tent with seating and premiere views of Games’ venues, food and beverages, Highland Games commemorative T-shirt and a free parking voucher. Parking costs $5 otherwise.
Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein