Chicago Highland Games Cancelled

[Standard]

I received an email from the Illinois Saint Andrews Society this week that the Chicago Highland Games that should have been held in June 2021 have been cancelled. I've attached the wording from their email.

"Friends,

Last March, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Chicago Scots announced with regret that we would press “pause” on all our in-person events until we were absolutely certain we could host them safely. Unfortunately, that time has not yet come.

We all want and need to gather again with family and friends, but COVID-19 continues to be cruel, vicious, devastating and deadly. We are not convinced that it is possible to host events of the quality and authenticity we all desire and demand without putting people – attendees, vendors, participants, our broad Scottish community, the people who live and work at Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care or you – in harm’s way.

When COVID-19 reared its ugly head, it became clear to our Board of Governors that we needed to cancel our 2020 Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Although this was the right and responsible decision, the Board were concerned that many of us would suffer by way of severed connections to culture, community, identity and home. So we pivoted and met not in person, but in cyberspace. We knew it wouldn’t be quite the same as the real thing, but we seized the opportunity to approach the event from a different perspective; to hear and learn about the roots, traditions and features of Highland Games; and to get to know some of the personalities that make our Games such unique experiences. We wouldn’t allow COVID-19 to loosen the ties that bind us as a community.

With every fond and strong hope, we expected a resumption of something like “normal service” by now. We expected to be in full swing, deep into arrangements to host our 35th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Itasca and in person on June 18 and 19, 2021. Unfortunately this is not the case. And it will not be the case. Circumstances will not permit it. Laws will not permit it. Most of all, our refusal to risk the health and safety of any Chicago Scot will not permit it. For now, our in-person events must remain on “pause.” Therefore, we regret to announce that the Chicago Scots will not host our 2021 Scottish Festival & Highlan d Games in June. We will continue to monitor all metrics and projections. And, whether it’s later this year or into next year, when we are certain it is safe to “unpause” our in-person events, please be assured that we will.

This is disappointing news. Our Board and staff share your disappointment. But, to do otherwise would be irresponsible. We must stay apart today, so that we can gather tomorrow. And, when we do gather, we shall roll three years’ worth of fun into one mighty shindig for the ages.

Until then, please stay safe.

Paul Melville
Chair, Board of Governors

Gus Noble
President "

[Standard]

Going to miss seeing all the Illinois area Rabble again this summer.

Our friends who raise the Highland Cattle that they have had on display the last several years have said that the Springfield, Illinois games are going to be held the weekend of 15th May 2021 however.

[ktk1961]

I haven't received this email yet (just joined Chicago Scots a few months ago), so thank you for passing this along. This is extremely disappointing news for everyone involved. It would have been my first Highland Games and my first time going "public" in my kilt at the ripe old age of soon-to-be 60.

Sigh ...

[James Hood]

All the (bleep)ing snow and ice will probably not be melted by mid-June, anyway...there is a LOT of it.

And there is something sad about 15,000 people wandering around in masks, trying to be socially distanced.

[KnittedReenactor]

Irony of Ironies. The Chicago Games were supposed to be this weekend, one week after most restrictions were done away with here in Illinois.

Hope all of our Chicagoland Kilters have been doing well in the...*checks calendar*... B%*&#^ H*@#!!!!! two years since we last met up in Itasca.

[Jock Scot]

Disappointing for sure, but absolutely the correct decision.

Something for all of us to consider. After the G7 diplomatic meetings in Cornwall last week where thousands of security staff, journalists, etc., etc., were brought in to support this important ......for all of us......few days. As of yesterday the Cornish Covid rate has now increased by 800%. Cornwall is a beautiful place and sparsely populated in comparison to most of the UK with up to now very few cases of Covid, so admittedly starting from a small base line, but.........

[ktk1961]

Maybe those of us who live in Chicago should kilt up and meet some time at the Duke of Perth or some other venue ...