Event Coincides with Colchester Labor Day Celebration
Never mind the hills of Scotland … the Highlands are coming to Forgottonia.
For the first time, kilts, clans, cabers and Celtic spirit will come together in McDonough County for the inaugural Forgottonia Fling Highland Games at Argyle Lake State Park, sponsored in part by Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia (dba the Macomb Convention & Visitors Bureau). The event is organized by Ancient Athletics, a unit of the St. Andrew Society of Central Illinois, which promotes and spreads the Celtic culture throughout the state.
Public demonstrations will take place from 1-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4. Individuals who take part in Friday's and decide to compete Saturday, they can register at the event, or in advance at ancientathletics.com. The registration fee is $50 per person. Saturday's competition begins at 9:30 a.m. Nine events will be held during the daylong event Sept. 5, with classes for men and women ages 18 and older, and a junior division for ages 13-17. The family-friendly event is open free to the public.
According to Jock Hedblade, MACVB executive director, Macomb resident Cadence Giddings, who is a St. Andrew Society board member, was instrumental in bringing the games to McDonough County. Giddings said as both an athlete and a board member, she is excited to have the Scottish Highland Games in the region, and because she loves the sport, she thought the community would enjoy the heritage and athleticism behind the games.
“This will be the first event of its kind to be held here. I hope our community will come out to give it a try and watch an uncommon event, cheer on our athletes and discover a sport they may have never experienced before,' Giddings added. 'Highland Games brings people together to celebrate sport, culture and community. Ancient Athletics hosts several games in conjunction with festivals, and having grown up in Colchester the Labor Day Festival felt like a great fit. This game will also give athletes a new competition destination and the chance to enjoy our area. It is our hope that the Forgottonia Fling becomes an annual tradition that brings the community together for many years to come.'
In addition to the fling, visitors can enjoy activities and events, including a carnival and food in the park in Colchester as part of the annual Labor Day celebration, as well as an antique gas and engine show, flea market, threshing demonstrations and kids' activities at Argyle Lake throughout the weekend.
'The Forgottonia Fling Highland Games are exactly the kind of event that makes Unforgettable Forgottonia such a special place to visit,' Hedblade said. 'Bringing the excitement, tradition and spectacle of the Highland Games to the beautiful setting of Argyle Lake State Park gives visitors a terrific new reason to spend Labor Day weekend exploring our region. From the strength and skill of the athletes to the family-friendly activities and the incredible lineup of attractions surrounding the games, this promises to be a truly memorable experience. We're proud to support the Forgottonia Fling and excited to welcome athletes, families and spectators from throughout the Midwest to also discover Macombopoly and all that Forgottonia has to offer.'
Forgottonia Fling is co-sponsored by the YMCA of McDonough County, The Lions Club, America 250 Illinois and Enjoy Illinois.
