Rocky Mountain Highland Games

This was a nice way to spend a Saturday. Admission was something like $18ish per person. It's a bit pricey. But my part "Scottish" friend and I were willing to give it a go. There were specific areas for the highland games, medieval Scottish lifestyle, lots of girls with bouncy curls and rigid upper bodies dancing, Scottish food, dogs, sheep herding, find your clan, and stuff you don't need to buy tents. Most venues were cash only, they did have 2 ATM machines for those unprepared (including us!). Nessie greets you as you walk in to the park. The midday ceremonies included a parade of dogs (adorable), bands, and clans, which were colorful, loud, and fun. The food was the most disappointing. There's only one tent with subpar options for ~$8-10. The best part of the festival are the whiskey tastings! We got there relatively early and signed up for Ardbeg. Once inside the tent, we were given little crackers, place mats with whiskey, and a walk through. We even got whiskey glasses for souvenirs!I especially loved being surrounded by thick heavy Scottish accents whichever way I turned. I'll be back again next year! Please work on your food options.

Since I can't make it to Edinburgh annually to pay homage to my ancestry, I do the next best thing. I trek out to Highlands Ranch in August, sweat my ass off, check out men in kilts, watch terriers perform crazy tricks, and research my clan lineage.As far as Highland Games go, this is a pretty good event. It's well organized, there are a lot of options as far as what to see and do, and it's affordable. Last year they had a parade of classic European cars that was just incredible. And the dancing! You have to go and check out the dancing. It's a great experience, be it for a casual date or a family outing.

Perfect day to go, the weather was in the mid 80's and mild by recent standards. This festival wasn't too crowded...but since you had to pay to get in..that is understandable. I usually LOVE festival food...there are usually various booths and one has a vast variety of choices. Not here. They seemed to have hired some kind of company...so under one tent, were all your offerings. Bangers and mash, stew, fish and chips, etc. I ordered the bangers...which consisted of two tiny sausages and a scoop of mash. No brown gravy. In a little cardboard boat. This was 8 dollars. Water was three dollars. Mind you..you had to PAY ADMISSION to enter already. There were dogs, bagpipers, a band...some dancing. I think a cannon fired and they had some golfing. There weve also various vendors there, kilts, scarves, jewelry, etc..interesting,.the most interesting booth was the scottish shortbread...the rudest people worked there. I was ready to buy a bag or a tin...but the ladies at this booth exuded the snobbiest attitudes imaginable. They had a website posted...perfect for ordering cookies for christmas...right? Notsomuch. If you are unable to smile or market your goods in person...without looking like you just tasted something nasty...I do not think people are real excited to buy your shortbread. Not overly impressed with this ethnic festival. Blah. Give me the Greeks or the Dragon Boat Festival any day. And my grandfather was part Scottish.