The Scottish North American Community Conference (SNACC) in December 2024 brought together many leaders of Highland Games and Scottish Festivals local Scottish who shared their reasons why their events were unique, what challenges they are facing, and what innovations they have implemented. Here is a brief summary of their remarks:
Teresa (Terri) Wiltse, Executive Director, New Hampshire Scots and the New Hampshire Highland Games admitted that the games are probably the most expensive Highland games in the US. She ascribed this to the expense of providing shuttle bus services, relying on tents rather than permanent buildings, and strict state regulations for temporary structures.
Bob Richardson, Trustee for the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit Highland Games observed that one of the biggest challenges they face is advertising: “The more conventional ways of advertising are disappearing: television, radio, newspapers.”
Brendan Fyfe, Marketing & Events Committee, St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto, and Celtic Island Music Festival noted that the games were intent on attracting younger people, but they no longer have vehicles and are much more dependent on city transit.
Kimberlee Bradford, Director of Public Relations, Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, shared the fact that a recent scheduling glitch worked in their favor when the Ventura County fairgrounds accidentally booked on one of the days a country western concert. “That turned out to be a godsend for that Sunday of the games.”
Alexandra Duncan, Vice President, Virginia Scottish Games, noted that the Games have added news attractions such as a gin tasting and the Hebridean Baker. She also noted collaborations with other local Scottish heritage societies.
Gus Noble, President, Chicago Scots and Chicago Scottish Festival & Highland Games noted that by using a county fairgrounds, they had the ability to buy at a lower price all the tents, chairs, stages, and other requirements. He shared another innovation in terms of a “honored clan” by choosing the local chapter of Rotary International.
This observation led to a discussion about the need for collaboration and sharing information. Ms. Duncan added that the Virginia games was a member of the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals (ASGF), which has been “great for networking and great for meeting with people.” Mr. Richardson noted that one of Detroit’s most recent collaborations has been with the Irish community.
Ms. Wiltse of New Hampshire acknowledged the high cost of sanctioned competitions. However, Mr. Noble noted that he has worked directly with Midwest Pipeband Association (MPA) to discuss managing costs.
Ms. Wiltse shared the experience of having to cancel the New Hampshire games in the previous year, which meant a loss of about $475,000. As result, they have changed the ticket system, which now offers the option to ensure that ticket. This income goes directly to the “self-insured” funds.
If you are Delegate or Alternate of a COSCA Organizational Member, you can access the complete article with many more details: https://www.cosca.scot/snacc-2024-highland-games
The Scottish North American Community Conference (SNACC) is an annual event organized by the American-Scottish Foundation, The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, St Andrew's Society of Detroit, Chicago Scots, Scottish American Women’s Society of Washington DC, Scottish Studies Society, and St. Andrew's Society of Toronto
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