Livermore Scottish Games 2007
News hot from California!
The fourth Livermore Scottish Games were held at Robertson Park, Livermore, California on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of May 2007 on two fine sunny days. A contingent from Birnam Highland Games and Scotland were guests of the organising committee, and spent two very enjoyable days watching the events and meeting and making very good friends.
The games continues to come on in leaps and bounds. The “heavies” took a more central role in the games this year and along with the world class Prince Charles Band from California, one of only 3 Grade one bands in the U.S and the young emerging talents of their grade 3 and 4 bands, amongst many other things, the games had a much more Scottish feel than last year and was a vastly improved event.
Our congratulations go to the organisers on all the hard work which resulted in a great games. They have struggled very hard to get the recognition of their fellow Americans, who as a whole do not know what a highland games is - let alone ever been to one! We are glad to say that is now changing and we saw a lot more of the “locals” from the Livermore community and their families at the event. The Scots visiting for the first time were somewhat surprised but delighted as to how enjoyable the two days were.
The Celtic band, Box o’ Bananas travelled over from Scotland as representatives of Birnam Games committee and played on both days on the main stage, going down a storm. Their mix of traditional scots music and good old rock and roll with a Celtic twist went down well with the crowds and stunned some members of the Livermore Committee! I think they have already been booked for next year and( so I,m told )are playing in Dunkeld in August on the Sunday after The Birnam Games. Any excuse for a good party boys! www.boxobananas.com. Jock, Stevie and Clark did Scotland proud.
The chieftain for the day was Captain Scott Walsh of the Livermore/ Pleasanton Fire service and it was great to see him recovering from his near tragic accident in the line of duty. He took great pleasure in declaring the games open after a guard of honour by his fellow fire fighters and a parade of the clans and the guilds.
The welcome everywhere we went was tremendous. We became regulars, during our stay, at the “Alehouse” in 1st street and were well looked after by Ron and Brook and all of their staff. They took some of us golfing and kept us well watered when others of the party went awol for 5 -6 hours! That’s right boys…. You still owe me for that one! If we couldn’t be found there then the V& E took good care of us…. from what Clark can remember anyway. He actually threatened to buy a round of drinks one night but his tab was already too high. We live in hope. At least this year he did bring dollars with him! But we think he came home with most of them!
By all accounts a great time, was had by all of us and we would like to thank everyone who put us up, looked after us and offered their hospitality. We look forward to seeing many of them over in Scotland in August!