Anyone else notice this about the Games lately?

**Carolina Kiltman** · 24th July 08, 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by RamsayClanCommish

It seems to me, from both organizing and event and attending a few, that general attendance is down. Both in the number of clans coming and the general public.

I know a few have told me tha tgas prices are making it hard for them to attend the games this summer. Anyone els ehearing this or noticing a trend? And any thoughts on how to get the games and festivals more well attended?

Yes, you are not imagining it! One reason is that a few have been carrying the entire burden. One of my good friends and former student is clan commissioner for his clan in NC. One year his wife was seriously ill, so he announced that he could not make it to the more distant games. . . . there was no tent for his clan that year where he did not attend! The second oldest game in the state (NC) the Flora Macdonald games in Red Springs, NC has canceled this year (see link)http://www.capefearscots.com/. We here at Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans hope to resurrect it, but that is still somewhat up in the air.

**Kiltedmusiclover** · 24th July 08, 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by Carolina Kiltman

Yes, you are not imagining it! One reason is that a few have been carrying the entire burden. One of my good friends and former student is clan commissioner for his clan in NC. One year his wife was seriously ill, so he announced that he could not make it to the more distant games. . . . there was no tent for his clan that year where he did not attend! The second oldest game in the state (NC) the Flora Macdonald games in Red Springs, NC has canceled this year (see link)http://www.capefearscots.com/. We here at Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans hope to resurrect it, but that is still somewhat up in the air.

I am really sorry to hear that. I went to games a few years ago when
the Glengarry Bhoys were there. I thought it was well run and a fun games.
Not nearly as big as some other games but that was one of the things I liked about it.

**Galician** · 24th July 08, 06:44 AM

It has been suggested in other threads that this situation might lead to people going just to Games close to home. The Flora MacDonald case might seem to contradict this, but one of the reasons they gave for putting an end to this tradition was the lack of volunteers upon which to rely.

Does anyone think that this might lead to a shaking out of the various Games into smaller, more regional ones which would be within easy reach? I wouldn't see this as a totally negative direction.

**gilmore** · 24th July 08, 07:09 AM

It may be that there are more games closer to centers of population that can draw more people than can those further away.

I live only 10-15 minutes' drive from Stone Mountain, site of what are said to be the second largest games in the US. Twice in the last 12 months I have been to smaller games/festivals further away, and both times wound up asking myself why I went so much further for so much less.

Another factor may be that some of the games are outgrowing their facilities and becoming less pleasant. E.g., I didn't go to Grandfather Mountain this year but have heard from some who did that while the camaraderie was nice, the onsite logistics were very disorganized, and that they probably won't be back.

**Bob C** · 24th July 08, 08:57 AM

I'm going to two games/festivals this year instead of the 4-5 that I'd like to. Travel is just too damned expensive.

**Panache** · 24th July 08, 09:23 AM

We have at least 10 different games / celtic festivals in / or a reasonable from the Bay Area. I can understand parring down the number of Games to the ones that are really big or have some special feature to them.

The Loch Lomond Games are one of the smallest but have a great setting and a nice fun atmosphere.

The Pleasanton Games are one of the world's largest and a must see

I feel I have to support the Campbell Highland Games (in spite of the terrific heat and few vendors) being that they are about 5 miles from my house.

As for the others...

Sometimes you have to choose.

Cheers

Jamie

**Nighthawk** · 29th July 08, 06:07 PM

The Elizabeth Celtic Festival had a really poor turnout. I blame that on the cost of travel. Gas prices are going to kill it. If turnout doesn't improve, the festival won't last two more years, and it's a fun festival too, which is sad. We'll see how this weekends Fort Collins Irish Festival turns out. Here's hoping!

Originally Posted by mcvarmit

attended the elizabeth celtic festival in colorado this last weekend. i live in new mexico, so it was about a 6 hr. drive from where i live.was just looking at my on line visa statement cost me about $400 bucks, vendor prices were a tad bit outta line, no gifts for the wife this time. the festival was also a tad bit disorganized, web site was a mess, and i drove right past the place for a few miles, before i turned around, almost a complete lack of signs. on the plus side i did enjoy myself. will probably attend next year?

semper fi

slick

Yes, those were also very problematic. A lot of people complained that they had to pay for parking, on top of paying admission, which I see as a valid complaint. I've never had to pay for parking for a festival with admission charges! And yeah, vendor prices were a touch high- what few vendors there were! I couldn't even find an interesting kilt pin!! People were actually trying to buy my sgain dubh right out of my boot!

**Caddy One** · 31st July 08, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by Carolina Kiltman

Yes, you are not imagining it! One reason is that a few have been carrying the entire burden. One of my good friends and former student is clan commissioner for his clan in NC. One year his wife was seriously ill, so he announced that he could not make it to the more distant games. . . . there was no tent for his clan that year where he did not attend! The second oldest game in the state (NC) the Flora Macdonald games in Red Springs, NC has canceled this year (see link)http://www.capefearscots.com/. We here at Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans hope to resurrect it, but that is still somewhat up in the air.

Just a note..........Heard that Scotland County (Laurinburg) might pick the games up.....you proabably heard the same................Not a bad idea....

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 7th August 08, 03:33 PM

All I can see is this:

Four weeks ago, Grandfather Mountain sold-out its allotment for concert tickets on the "big night", and we had our best merchandise sales ever over the weekend. Money can't be hurting that bad.

Three weeks ago, The Great American Irish Festival in Utica sold-out for the festival grounds, and the Saranac Irish Red Ale sold out in 24 hours. This was one of the best events that I've ever been a part of!

Last week, The Detroit Highland Games doubled their all-time best attendance. These games were VERY well organized and included everything that you could imagine in Scottish culture. I'm not shocked that they're in their 159th year! They know how to make it interesting, and accomodating for patrons. Apparently, the money's no problem up there either since merchandise sales were brisk and the attendees were from ALL OVER the place.

From MY personal perspective on my "perched" vantage point, it's been one hill of a summer for attendance!!! All the crowds have been enthusiastic and energetic. I would imagine that it all comes down to which events know how to "put on a show" in every facet of the word.

~I can highly recommend the Detroit Games for anyone that truly appreciates the cultural side of the events. I learned SO MUCH about Scotland that I'm still reading more about what I was introduced to.