Arts & Entertainment

Great Scot!

By Mr. Night 

People often misuse the terms “Scots” and “Scotch,” believing them to be interchangeable. They are not. The former term refers to the people and culture of Scotland; the latter refers to the finest beverage ever distilled by the hand of man. The difference is easy to remember with this catchy phrase: “Mr. Night has not a drop of Scots blood in him; he has, however, a goodly amount of Scotch in him.” It is the Scots (people and culture) who are celebrated at the St. Louis Scottish Games and Cultural Festival on Friday and Saturday (October 5 and 6) in Forest Park (south of the Missouri History Museum at Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue). And whether you’re a proud scion of that noble country or just looking for an entertaining outing with the family, the St. Louis Scottish Games welcomes you warmly. The festival opens at 5 p.m. Friday with the traditional calling of the clans, followed by a performance by the Tannahill Weavers. Saturday at 8:30 a.m. the fun continues with sheepdog herding demonstrations, highland cattle, a parade of tartans, more music and dancing, and the Highland Games. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen burly men in kilts throwing tree trunks across the sward -– Mr. Night would participate, but he’s weak as a kitten and will instead be challenging his stomach with a steady influx of Scottish eggs. Traditional food and drink are available from a number of vendors (Scottish Arms and Schlafly, for instance), and the fun doesn’t stop until 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 to $20 for individuals, and family passes (good for two adults and children) are $25 to $50. Call 314-821-1286 or visit www.stlouis-scottishgames.com for more information.
Oct. 5-6, 2007