![]() ![]() ![]() Historically, the Scottish clan was made up of everyone who lived on the chief’s territory or who were allegiant to the chief. The clan village, which features more than 65 named clans, serves as the heartbeat of the weekend, where members and visitors celebrate and discover their known and/or unknown Scottish roots. In each of the past couple of years, sheep have busted out of their corrals and joined in with the audience. Spectators at the games should remain alert, as some sheep have been known to get loose. The trials date back centuries when farmers living in the Scottish hills bred their dogs to perform this important task of keeping sheep within their boundaries. The competition is open to any breed, though Border Collies are the most common. The trials take place on the mountainside course, giving spectators close-up, unobstructed views of what sometimes turns into a little mayhem.ĭog handlers direct their dogs to guide a packet of sheep through a group of obstacles in the fastest time possible to win the right to have their names added to the Campbell Cup trophy. Here are some of the attractions: Sheep dog trialsįriday mornings on festival weekend are unique in that Friday is the day of the sheep dogs. Organizers and participants are waiting for you with open arms. If you haven’t witnessed this celebration of traditional games, foods, music and vendors, it’s about time you did. ![]() It introduces a lot of people who may not otherwise come to Loon.” “One of the reasons why it’s so successful is that visitors come up to Loon for the festival and stay a few days longer to try other activities in the area. “Over the years the Highland Games have introduced thousands and thousands of people not just to Loon Mountain but to the whole White Mountains National Forest area,” Noyse said. The workload makes it difficult for Loon employees to experience the festival as most of the visitors do, but Noyse says it pays dividends in so many ways. Loon also runs a couple of lifts for guests, including its gondola, as well as operating food tents and providing other support throughout the weekend. The resort operates some 50 shuttles during the weekend, as most event parking is off-site. And that’s what I like about it today, too.”įor most employees at Loon in the fall, it’s all hands on deck when the festival is in town. “I remember seeing a bunch of people in kilts and a lot of activity going on with bagpipes, athletic events and music,” Noyse recalled of his indoctrination 34 years ago. I think everyone is Scottish for the weekend.”Īndrew Noyse, vice president of guest services at Loon, was first introduced to the Highland Games when he started working at the resort in 1985. “They said, ‘This is so much fun we need to do it next year.’ And they invited new bands,” explained Terri Wiltse, executive director of the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, which was held for the 44th time Sept. What else could explain how a simple gathering of the Murrays, who invited a pipe band to their first official reunion at Loon Mountain back in 1975, could turn into a three-day festival drawing 35,000 people each year in what has become the largest celebration of Scottish culture in North America. (Loon Mountain Resort)Ī family picnic gone wild. The Highland Games have introduced thousands of people to the White Mountains National Forest area. ![]()
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