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Scotland in Bakersfield
By: Jennifer Scott, Kern County Scottish Society
Topics: cultural events,
history,
pipers,
scottish
Posted by Scotland
Mon Apr 2, 2007 12:37:35 PDT
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Location:
3805 Chester Avenue,
Bakersfield, ca 93305
Scotland was in Bakersfield this past Saturday at the 12th Annual Kern County Society’s Gathering and Games at Stramler Park. So was most of Bakersfield, or so it seemed. Thousands of people attended this annual event to listen to bagpipes, shop at numerous Celtic stores, sit in a 1,000-square-foot portable pub, and just enjoy themselves with friends and family.
Athletics took center stage this year. After years of being pushed to the back of the Gathering and Games, the Scottish Heavies competition was moved next to the vendors and musicians. The highlight of Saturday’s competition was when first time competitor, Bill Stillwell from Brentwood, California, cleared 16 feet with “Firecracker,” an 85-pound, 16-foot-long caber. Throwing a caber is not just about distance. The object is to get this telephone pole-shaped log to land as straight as possible after being flipped into the air.
This feat amazed adults and children alike. So much, in fact, that attendees attempted to throw smaller and lighter versions of cabers at the Children’s Highland Games. Boy Scout Troop 133 and the Conway family from Ventura directed young children, dads, moms, and, yes, even grandmas, on how to compete like real Scottish athletes.
Even tourists from Scotland exclaimed how much they enjoyed the day’s events. Carol Middleton and her family were visiting friends in Bakersfield when they came to the Games. Middleton stated that the Bakersfield Games were very much like the ones in her hometown. The best part was the meat pies, which she remarked “were as good as home.”
Music filled the air. Bands played at three different stages throughout the park all day long and into the night. Scottish musical groups love coming to the Bakersfield venue because they always have a great time. “The people here are really enthusiastic and the Ceilidh is one of the best, if not THE best Ceilidh in the country,” said Aaron Shaw, piper for the Wicked Tinkers. “People get involved; they don’t just sit and watch. That is the essence of a Ceilidh.”
Scotland was in Bakersfield for just one day this year. If you missed it, don’t worry. KCSS will host another event next year. Just keep an eye on their website at www.kernscot.com. You will not want to miss next year’s Gathering and Games.
