Highland Games moves to bigger digs in Itasca
Hold the haggis and collect the kilts.
The annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games, previously hosted in Oak Brook by the Chicago Scots, is moving to a new, more spacious location in Itasca.
“We had many great years in Oak Brook,” Chicago Scots President Gus Noble said. “But I think it almost speaks to the high quality of Oak Brook that we had to move the event.”
The 25-year-old celebration of Scottish heritage outgrew the grounds and parking facilities at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds, causing the festival’s organizers to begin searching for a new home.
Hamilton Lakes, located at I-290 and Thorndale Avenue, in Itasca, seemed the perfect choice.
“The village is excited to be the new home of the festival,” Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn said. “In the past they’ve had crowds upward of 15,000 people, so we’re excited to have those people come and explore Itasca.”
While the new venue will require organizers to redesign the festival’s layout, expansive concrete parking and the ability to display more festival activities make the move ideal, Noble said.
The Chicago Scots’ festival runs 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 17, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 18. It is one of the largest Scottish festivals in the Midwest, typically attracting between 10,000 and 15,000 people over the two days.
Setting it apart from many similar events, the festival goes beyond the traditional exhibition of games, food and music to include activities like Whisky Live!, a Dogs of Scotland competition and expansive children’s area.
“There’s something for everyone to enjoy,” Noble said. “And you don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy it. Everyone who is Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination is welcome.”
The Whisky Live! tent allows individuals to sample more than 40 different types of Scotland’s finest scotches, bourbons and whiskeys. Tickets cost $20 and cover admission to the venue, six drink vouchers and a souvenir tasting glass.
Festival goers also may attend a Dogs of Scotland presentation, showcasing the native pooches of the country. Shows begin on the hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
From a British car show to traditional Highland games like the caber toss, hammer throw, sheaf toss and haggis hurling contest, the festival gives attendees a crash course in Scottish heritage.
“That’s the objective,” Noble said, “to give people the opportunity to feel like they’ve been transported to Scotland for the day without having to buy an expensive trans-Atlantic ticket.”
Festival admission is far less than the cost of a plane ticket. Friday admission is $9 for adults and free for children; Saturday admission is $14 for adults, $3 for ages 3 to 12.
“It’s really my job to work with our staff and volunteers to make sure that we put smiles on a lot of faces,” Noble said.
Over the past months, Noble also has been working with the village of Itasca to plan and ensure that the event runs smoothly in its new locale.
“This is something different we haven’t been able to offer the residents of Itasca or the region before,” Pruyn said. “It differentiates itself from some of the other festivals by bringing people into town, not just being a festival for the town.”
Some of the country’s larger Scottish festivals attract upward of 30,000 or 40,000 people, a goal Noble believes possible for the Chicago Scots’ event in the coming years.
“We want to make sure people come see an event that is well-managed and well-run so that they know they want to come back next year,” Noble said. “Once we’ve put down roots in our new home, we can start to make successful gains.”
If you go
What: 25th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games
When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, June 17; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 18
Where: Hamilton Lakes, Thorndale Avenue at I-290, Itasca
Cost: $9 for adults, free for children 12 and younger on Friday; $14 for adults, $3 for ages 3 to 12 on Saturday
Info: chicago-scots.org/h-g-overview