Great Scot!

People often misuse the terms “Scots” and “Scotch,” believing them to be interchangeable. They are not. The former term refers to the people and culture of Scotland; the latter refers to the finest beverage ever distilled by the hand of man. The difference is easy to remember with this catchy phrase: “Mr. Night has not a drop of Scots blood in him; he has, however, a goodly amount of Scotch in him.” It is the Scots (people and culture) who are celebrated at the St. Louis Scottish Games and Cultural Festival on Friday and Saturday (October 5 and 6) in Forest Park (south of the Missouri History Museum at Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue). And whether you’re a proud scion of that noble country or just looking for an entertaining outing with the family, the St. Louis Scottish Games welcomes you warmly. The festival opens at 5 p.m. Friday with the traditional calling of the clans, followed by a performance by the Tannahill Weavers. Saturday at 8:30 a.m. the fun continues with sheepdog herding demonstrations, highland cattle, a parade of tartans, more music and dancing, and the Highland Games. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen burly men in kilts throwing tree trunks across the sward -– Mr. Night would participate, but he’s weak as a kitten and will instead be challenging his stomach with a steady influx of Scottish eggs. Traditional food and drink are available from a number of vendors (Scottish Arms and Schlafly, for instance), and the fun doesn’t stop until 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 to $20 for individuals, and family passes (good for two adults and children) are $25 to $50. Call 314-821-1286 or visit www.stlouis-scottishgames.com for more information.
Oct. 5-6, 2007