Virginia Scottish Games Moves to Great Meadow
Press Release, Virginia Scottish Games Association, Inc., December 5, 2008
Virginia Scottish Games Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 1338, Alexandria, VA 22313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2008
The Plains, VA–The Virginia Scottish Games Association (VSGA) signed an agreement today with Great Meadow Foundation to hold the 36th Annual Virginia Scottish Games and Festival at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. Representing the VSGA at the signing was VSGA President Thomas Wright and VSGA Vice President David McKenzie. Signing for Great Meadow Foundation was their Chairman Arthur W. Arundel. “We are thrilled with the prospect of holding the [Virginia Scottish] Games here at Great Meadow,” said VSGA President Thomas Wright. “It is the perfect venue for hosting the Games. From its breathtaking scenery to its wide open spaces, Great Meadow provides easy access and proximity to both the metropolitan DC area in addition to the communities out west in the Shenandoah. Everybody is familiar with the Great Meadow location.” Considered northern Virginia’s premier outdoor event venue, Great Meadow is host to the annual spring and fall steeplechase races.
The Virginia Scottish Games is an annual state-sponsored event celebrating the rich Scottish heritage and traditions of so many of Virginia’s first families. The Games began in 1974 as an officially sponsored event of the City of Alexandria. For 33 years, the Games were held every July at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. In 2007, the Games moved west to Fauquier County. The Games have grown steadily throughout the years and now typically draw on average 15,000 to 20,000 over two days from across the Northern Virginia region and beyond.
The cornerstone of the Virginia Scottish Games is the highland athletic competition. Throughout the years the Games has played host to numerous professional and amateur championships. In 2009, the Games will host many of the top-ranked professional athletes in North America to include several who have competed at the recent World Championships. In addition to athletics there are piping & drumming and highland dance competitions, Scottish fiddling, and the very popular sheep-herding demonstrations. For the auto enthusiast, there will be more than 50 rare and antique cars on display both Saturday and Sunday. The festival is rounded out with a variety of vendors & crafters, clan and society exhibits, a living history encampment, activities just for the children, traditional and modern Celtic music throughout the day on the main stage, and plenty of Scottish food and drink.
The 36th Annual Virginia Scottish Games & Festival will take place on September 5-6, 2009 at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. Gates open at 9AM and close at 6PM. Tickets are $18. Children 5–12 are $5 and under 5 are free. A two-day pass can be purchased for $25. Active duty military receive $5 off the price of admission with ID at the gate. Discounted tickets and a schedule of events will be available online at www.vascottishgames.org in summer 2009. Great Meadow is located at 5089 Old Tavern Rd in The Plains, VA and is just a short 30 minute drive on I-66 from either the Washington Beltway or I-81.
If you require additional information about the Virginia Scottish Games, please contact the Virginia Scottish Games Association at info@vascottishgames.org or 703-912-1943.
