On Saturday, April 5th, 2008, the Kern County Scottish Society will hold its 13th Annual Bakersfield Gathering and Games at Stramler Park in Bakersfield, CA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
On Saturday, April 5th, 2008, the Bakersfield Gathering and Games (also known as the Bakersfield Scottish Games) proudly invites all Kern County residents to become Scottish for one day. Everyone is invited to come and join in the excitement of this unique Scottish cultural event that will be brought to life for the 13th consecutive year by the Kern County Scottish Society.
This all-day cultural event, beginning at 9am and also known as the Bakersfield Scottish Games, can be enjoyed by all members of the family. We have music entertainment throughout the day and night, great food, dancing, athletic events as well as Scottish clan history and dress.
Nowhere else in Kern County will you see large men in kilts throwing telephone pole sized cabers along with a full set of Scottish Heavy Athletics! Equally exciting is the diversity of Celtic music from bagpipe bands to traditional and Celtic fusion rock. It’s a concert all day and even into the night! Learn about clan history, genealogy and shop for Celtic merchandise at the Bakersfield Gathering and Games.
The Bakersfield Gathering and Games is a fun-filled day of music, dancing, clans, and athletics. Entertainment includes local Celtic musicians such as Banshee in the Kitchen and 1916. The Gathering also draws well-known Celtic groups such as the Wicked Tinkers and Highland Fusion Dancers. Vendors bring their Celtic wares. Attendees can sample traditional English, Scottish, and American foods.
Professional athletes compete and demonstrate Scottish sports like the caber toss. Children can mimic this contest with light-weight replicas. Solo bag pipers and drummers compete in a piping competition. Pipe Bands perform traditional Scottish music for everyone to enjoy.
The day ends with an exciting Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee and Gaelic for party). The Ceilidh is a separate paid event of impromptu music, dancing, bangers, and beer.
Throughout Scottish history, Gathering and Games were crucial social and political events for clans. Centered on athletic games, clans would “gather” to meet old friends and reestablish clan contacts while the clan chieftains met and discussed events of the day. This was also where the strongest and bravest men competed to show their ability to defend their clan. In the 1820s, Sir Walter Scott encouraged the formalization of annual Tartan and Highland cultural events. However, the Bakersfield Scottish Games is not limited to those of Scottish heritage. The Kern County Scottish Society welcomes all to this family orientated event – the largest one day event in Kern County!
For more information, please email jennifer[@]kernscot.com.
Website Link: http://www.kernscot.com | 
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