TRIAD HIGHLAND GAMES SLATES CEILIDH

Details:

The economy may have deep-sixed the full version of the Triad Highland Games for this year, but the economy can't keep descendants of Scotland from having a party.
That's what will happen at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, the traditional date of the Games, at the Pour House, 360 Federal Way in downtown Greensboro. Though there are no events at Bryan Park this year, there will be a ceilidh, a Scottish party, complete with music and dance and European martial arts.
The party is being marketed as "An Evening With the Scots," and that's exactly what organizers are planning. Many features of the regular Games will be available, including children's games and things like the "bonniest knees" contest.
A silent auction will take place, Scottish musicians will perform, and some dance events will be held. For those interested, Scotch whisky seminars will take place twice during the evening, at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for the event are $5 for adults and children 13 and older, or $15 if you are planning to attend the whisky seminars. Admission to the whisky seminars includes admission to the ceilidh. Admission to the ceilidh is free for children 12 years old and younger.
Elsewhere, though there are no Scottish heavy athletics this year, the Games' Sporting Clays Shooting Competition will take place as usual from noon to 3 p.m. May 2 at Shane's Sporting Clays on U.S. 158 in Summerfield, just north of Greensboro.
Registration for the shooting contest is $5, with target fees starting at $9 for 25 targets. Rental shotguns are available at the range (please call in advance).
Information on the ceilidh is available from Ann Jackson, Games founder, at (336) 431-8482 or (336) 905-0633. Or visit the Web site at www.triadhighlandgames.com. Information on the sporting clays competition is available from Vaughn McAlister at (336) 339-2916 or vmcalister@triad.rr.com.
Jackson said economic conditions left the Games no choice but to operate at a reduced level this year, but she said the ceilidh will still evoke the spirit of the competition. "We thank people for their continued support," she said. "Look for us back full force in 2010."