BY KATLAN THOMERSON
Glasgow News 1
On Saturday, June 1, echoes of bagpipes will be heard across the rolling hills of Park City, Kentucky when the Southern Kentucky Highland Games brings with it years of unforgotten traditions.
Bell’s Tavern Park will serve as the background for this event that’s anticipated to be an annual occurrence, according to Karin Baldwin-Carroll, treasurer of the newly established Southern Kentucky Highland Games-Park City Events Committee.
In the fall of 2023, Karin, her husband Gary Carroll II, and Colin Grant-Adams came together to bring back a beloved event that hasn’t occurred in Barren County since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
“We’ve gone to the Highland Games since we moved here in 2006. When 2020 hit, the Games just didn’t survive after that,” Karin said. “Colin-Grant who’s from Glasgow, Scotland has been instrumental in helping us. He ended up meeting a woman from Glasgow, Kentucky, and married her. Now he travels around singing folk songs.”
According to Karin, Park City Mayor Larry Poteet has been very helpful as well, in terms of helping them establish the committee.
“Our city paid for the 503 to be written up with a lawyer. They’re paying for our insurance and they’re giving us the park for free,” Karin said.
Currently the committee is comprised of four people:
Image sourced from the Southern Kentucky Highland Games official website. Used with permission.
“We need help getting the word out that we need sponsors to help with funding,” Karin said.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor are encouraged to visit the committee’s website by clicking here, to download a sponsorship form that be returned at the Grand Victorian Inn of Park City, owned by Karin.
“Any level of sponsorship will help,” Karin said. “The higher-level sponsorships will be put in the magazine that will be created. The magazine has all kinds of stuff. It tells about Keltic tradition such as how women wear their sashes, and the men wear their kilts.”
What to Expect
Upon arrival, you’ll be charged an entry fee. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Parking is free.
Schedule of Events:
May 31
Sponsors dinner, location and time to be determined.
June 1
9 a.m. Amateur Highland Games
10 a.m. Official games begin
3 p.m. Gathering of the clans
4 p.m. Parade of the Tartans
5 p.m. Whiskey tasting
Scottish Traditions
Kilts adorned with clan tartans will sway with wind while melodies flow from bagpipes and Highland dancers wearing captivating costumes display intricate footwork.
“There’s 112 clans that travel around to the Highland Games. They’re really into it. They wear their kilts and march in the parades,” Karin said. “Someone is bringing Highland coos and sheep herding dogs from Kentucky Down Under will come. ”
Those who want to volunteer should contact Karin by calling (270) 590-1935.
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