By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
Scottish-style Highland Games have returned to Barren County. Games had been played annually at Barren River Lake State Resort Park until 2019, when the Glasgow Highland Games event ended. They returned Saturday in the form of the Southern Kentucky Highland Games at Bell’s Tavern Park in Park City.
They were fittingly heralded by the cries of cicadas as both emerged from years-long metamorphoses to greet the summer of 2025.
Originally scheduled for summer 2024, organizers Gary and Karin Baldwin-Carroll made the executive decision to delay the event to better plan the Games’ grand encore.
Those familiar with the Games know some of the challenges athletes face are a bit unorthodox for sports, such as the “Hay Toss.” Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Hundreds of locals and visitors gathered for the first Highland Games in Park City. Attendees were treated to a selection of instrumental music before musician Colin Grant-Adams led a stirring rendition of the national anthem at the opening ceremony. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Many attendees took the opportunity to show off their cultural lineage — some more fanciful than others. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Doon the Brae took the stage around noon, offering traditional Scottish shanties set to a tartan tune. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Members of the band Doon the Brae pose with Park City Tourism Director Linda Watts. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Colin Grant-Adams performed throughout the eight-hour event. A native of Glasgow, Scotland, he is a folk singer and songwriter who won “Entertainer of the Year” in the Bluegrass category for his song “Simple Folk” in 2022. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Athletes came from across the commonwealth—and some from out of state—to compete in the return of the Barren County Highland Games, held in Park City. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
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