Heavy Games

It is believed that the origins of the Highland Games came from the 11th century when King Malcolm III (infamous for killing MacBeth) held a contest in the Braes of Mar to find the fastest runners and toughest fighting men. Other games events have been added over the centuries, perhaps stemming from events such as weddings, and from the simple Amusements of working men.

During various times of English occupation, from before the Wars of Independence to the suppression after the Jacobite wars, the men of Scotland were forbidden to bear or train with arms, in an attempt to prevent another popular Scottish uprising. Scots continued to train for war; they simply did so with the implements of war replaced with the implements of the Highland games.

Caber Toss
A long tapered pine pole or log is stood upright and hoisted by the competitor who balances it vertically holding the smaller end in his hands. The competitor runs forward attempting to toss it in such a way that it turns end over end for one rotation with the larger end striking the ground first. It is ideal to end with it pointing as close to 12:00 of a clockface as possible.

Sheaf Toss
A traditional Scottish agricultural sporting event originally played at country fairs where a pitchfork is used to hurl a burlap or canvas bag stuffed with straw over a horizontal bar above the competitor’s head. The bar is raised until only one person can clear the bar.

Putting of the Stone
The same as the Olympic shot put except uses a rounded stone that weighs 17 lbs.

Tug Of War
Traditional tug of war games.

Irish Road Bowling Championship Game
The championship Road Bowling Tournament will be held during the Faire.
Watch this exciting new sport and cheer on your favorite teams!

Hammer Throw
A round metal ball (weighing 16 or 22 lb for men or 12 or 16 lb for women) is attached to the end of a shaft about 4 feet in length and made out of wood, bamboo, rattan, or plastic. With the feet in a fixed position, the hammer is whirled about one's head and thrown for distance over the shoulder.

Weight for Distance
Actually two separate events, one using a light (28 lb for men and 14 lb for women) and the other a heavy (56 lb for men, 42 lb for masters men, and 28 lb for women) weight. The longest throw wins.

Weight over the Bar
Also known as weight for height. The athletes attempt to toss a 56 pound weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand. Each athlete is allowed three attempts at each height.

Games Schedule

7:30 a.m.
Athletes check in at the Games Booth in Expo Building, Outdoor practice until games start at 10:00 a.m.

7:45 a.m.
League bowlers check in at the Road Bowling booth

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Road Bowling League Championship Game

10:00 a.m.
Ladies Open Stone Put Lightweight
Men’s Open Stone Put Lightweight
Scottish Hammer Lightweight
Tug Of War
Weight for Distance Heavy weight
Sheaf Toss

12:00 noon
Throwing of the Chair

1:00 p.m.
Ladies Open Stone Put Heavy Weight
Men’s Open Stone Put Heavy Weight
Scottish Hammer Heavy weight
Weight for Distance Lightweight
Weight for Height
Caber Toss

5:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony on Indoor Stage