12
CULTURE & HERITAGE
JULY 6�13, 2022
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY
OF EASTERN OREGON
Caledonian Games bring spirit of Scotland to Oregon
By Jennifer Colton
Go! Magazine
ATHENA — The spirit of the Highlands
of Scotland is alive in Athena, and the
annual Caledonian Games will bring that
to life Saturday, July 9.
Caledonian Games President Sue
Friese said the games in Athena date
back to 1899, then the Umatilla County
Caledonian Society Picnic and Games,
and they are still going.
“I am carrying on a tradition in Athena
that has roots that far back,” she said.
“We’re a little bit smaller (than before
the pandemic), but we’re keeping the
tradition going.”
Although the event includes a full
day of activities, it takes its name from
its Scottish Games, a series of athletic
competitions of strength and skill. The
games range from a stone throw to the
caber toss where participants throw a
16-foot-long log end-over-end and try
to get the highest score from the judges.
The games take place at the high
school athletic fi eld, and Friese said
these events are a highlight.
“It’s amazing because they have
people who are professionals compet-
ing right next to people who have never
thrown before, and they have a great
time together. It’s a wonderful atmo-
sphere,” she said.
The registration fee to participate in
the athletic games is $35; watching the
event is free.
For those who feel more ready for
competitions that do not involve heavy
lifting, the Caledonian Games will also
include time for family games such as an
egg relay, a watermelon eating con-
test and a “Honey, I Fixed It” relay. The
challenges wrap up with the “Bonniest
Knees Contest” at 2:45 p.m.
“Some of the games require practice
and skill. Others do not,” Friese said
Janet Nayor
plays the Celtic
harp during the
2019 Athena
Caledonian
Games at Athena
City Park. This
year’s Scottish
celebration is
Saturday, July 9.
Kathy Aney/East
Oregonian, File
with a laugh.
In addition to the competition, the
Caledonian Games will have diff erent
activities and entertainment from 9 a.m.
until 4 p.m.
Caledonian Games begin at 9 a.m.
with the Main Street Parade, followed
by the Piper’s Welcome at 10:25 a.m.
at Hesketh Rose Garden and the fi rst
performance by Celtic band Endalos at
10:30.
Based on the Oregon coast, Endalos
is a folk band whose music is drawn from
traditional Scottish and Irish folk music
and sea shanties. Endalos will take the
stage a second time at 12:30 p.m.
In other main stage entertainment,
a Highland Dance Demonstration is
scheduled for 1:45 p.m., and there is a
“Pipin’ & Tellin’” session at 3 p.m. The
car show winners will be announced at
3:30 p.m., also on the main stage.
Food and other vendors will be set
up in Athena City Park throughout the
event, and Saturday draws to a close
with the Candle Lighting Ceremony and
Piper’s Farewell at 4 p.m.
The fi nal event is the “Kirkin’ of the
Tartans,” a church service in the city
park at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Find more information and register at
www.athena-caledonian.org.
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