Men in kilts, women in tartan and the sound of bagpipes filled the air at Stramler Park on March 31 for the Bakersfield Scottish Gathering and Games.
The park was overflowing with great Scottish culture that provided Scottish and non-Scottish to participate and enjoy the day. Some of the events included The Scottish Tea Room, where the slogan was “a place to relax and drink Scottish culture.”
There were also a variety of dancers that performed on stage while the heavy athletics games such as Putting the Braemar Stone and a Hammer Throwing competed.
George the Giant and Ye Olde Silversmith attracted crowds that watched as George performed his show and the silversmith made medallions out of gold, silver, and bronze.
Vendors were around the park, selling anything from teddy bears with kilts to swords, knives and pirate costumes.
There were 32 clans present, waving their banners and representing their names. Tammie Vawter, who is from Clan Macleod, said, “A clan is tied to a specific area. Each name represents a specific land in Scotland.”
Throughout the day, bands from Oakdale, Fresno and Tehachapi played the pipes and drums. As they played, many stopped to listen and begin to tap their feet, clap their hands and move to the tune. With each song, the crowd gave a round of applause.
The Opening Ceremony began with the bands playing music and the clans following behind representing Scotland.
This is the 12th annual Scottish Gathering and Games sponsored by the Kern County Scottish Society, Inc. According to the program given at the event, the KCSS formed to promote Scottish heritage and culture.
They are a member of the Arts Counsel of Kern, The Downtown Business Association, and Tehachapi Arts Coalition.