Highland Games in Arlington Texas

[The Annoyed Man]

Does anybody know if the upcoming Highland Games (June 4, 5, & 6) at Maverick Stadium are off-limits for any reason to CHL?

They do have sporting competitions. Most of the competitors are amateurs, but there is a pro division that competes there. But that is only a part of the whole package. There are bagpipe performances, arts & crafts displays, food and drink vendors, etc., etc., etc.

My wife, son, and I are planning to attend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my wife's 32nd birthday, and I would like to be able to carry if I can. So would she.

[SecedeTX]

Wow, that picture is disturbing.

Go one way or another....really.

[The Annoyed Man]

Are you going to go Scot-Tex on us like the below gentleman?

Oh God no. We used to go the Highland Games on Memorial Day weekend at the Orange County Fairgrounds in California every year. Haven't been in a while, and thought we would check this one out.

My wife was adopted and knows almost nothing about her biological mother, and nothing at all about her biological father. My son is literally the only person she knows or has ever known to whom she is related by blood. I don't know if there is such a thing as genetic memory, but my wife gets tears in her eyes when she hears Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes, and the only physical sport my son has ever had an interest in is the Caber Toss. We're thinking there might be some Scotts DNA running around in there somewhere.

[Oldgringo]

For a whole lot of memories, I also get choked up whenever I hear "Amazing Grace" on the pipes.

If you want to hear and see "Amazing Grace" sung and played as never before, I heartily recommend Il Divo's video of their performance in the Coliseum in Rome. That will sit you up straight....just before you break down.

[The Annoyed Man]

On Easter Sunday, we had a bagpiper in church. I think he normally attends Prestonwood Baptist, and he tours all over the country performing with the pipes. Really a lovely guy. After the pastor's message, the lights went down, and when they came back up, he was marching out onto the stage playing a solo of Amazing Grace. After a couple of verses, the band filtered onto the stage behind him and joined in. It was a breath-taking moment.

I really like the pipes, and at the Orange County Highland Games, one of my favorite moments was always during the day's opening ceremonies when the pipe bands would all come marching in together, and the skirling and the drums and the pageantry is one of those things you never forget. I don't know about the Arlington Games, never having attended them, but the Orange County event always drew some of the best and most famous bagpipe bands from around the world. It was awesome. I'm really looking forward to this event here.

My mother is French, and my dad was of Norwegian/Javanese ancestry on his mother's side, and English/Scots/Irish ancestry (going back to the pre-revolutionary war) on his father's side, so I am fairly sure that there is a Scotsman somewhere in my woodpile.

[Mrgordy]

TAM, please let us know if you find out if we can carry at the Scottish festival. I too am curious about this, was planning on attending at some point this weekend. I have searched but have come up empty so far. Thanks!

[Reserve161]

Just an FYI - every year the Lewisville Fire Department hosts a Pipes and Drums Symposium
and Fire Departments from all over the country come and participate.
One of the big events each year is the gathering at City Hall where all these bands play
together.

Unfortunately, it has just passed for this year. If I can I will pass on the info next year.

Be safe!
Bryan

[PUCKER]

There's a saying I heard once..."A gentleman is someone who knows how to play the bagpipes, but doesn't!"

Some of you might get a kick out of that. When it's good, it's great, but when it's bad, it's HORRIBLE!

[Keith B]

For some reason bagpipes always remind me of this cartoon

[Reserve161]

I've heard that the definition of "perfect pitch" is when you throw a banjo into a dumpster and it hits a set of bagpipes.
Or accordion. Or whatever annoying instrument is up for comment.

[MadMonkey]

Gee, I wonder if I'll be there... since I'm a McDonald and everything...

Actually I'm German, Russian, Irish, and Scottish (primarily). I suppose I should be Grapevine's town drunk with that heritage!

I also get choked up whenever I hear "Amazing Grace" on the pipes.

Man I do too... I remember the first time hearing it. It was right after Payne Stewart's (pro golfer who died in the Learjet incident) funeral. I keep it on most of my mix CD's now.

[comsec]

Lads and Lassies,

Carried last year with no signage observed. The sporting event is amateur insofar as I can ascertain.

Might want to leave heat in car as the Belhaven Stout on tap is outstanding!

Hoot Mon,

McCraig

[BLG]

I have missed only once. Just got my chl a few months ago, but my chl instructor carries every year.