2026 Saturday Activities
Caber Toss
A long log is stood upright and hoisted by the competitor who balances it vertically holding the smaller end in his hands. Then the competitor runs forward attempting to toss it in such a way that it turns end over end with the upper (larger) end striking the ground first. The smaller end that was originally held by the athlete then hits the ground in the 12 o’clock position measured relative to the direction of the run. If successful, the athlete is said to have turned the caber. Cabers vary greatly in length, weight, taper, and balance, all of which affect the degree of difficulty in making a successful toss. Competitors are judged on how closely their throws approximate the ideal 12 o’clock toss on an imaginary clock.
Hammer Throw
This event is similar to the hammer throw as seen in modern-day track and field competitions, though with some differences. In the Scottish event, a round metal ball (weighing 16 or 22 lb for men or 12 or 16 lb for women) is attached to the end of a shaft about 4 feet in length and made out of wood, bamboo, rattan, or plastic. With the feet in a fixed position, the hammer is whirled about one’s head and thrown for distance over the shoulder. Hammer throwers sometimes employ specially designed footwear with flat blades to dig into the turf to maintain their balance and resist the centrifugal forces of the implement as it is whirled about the head. This substantially increases the distance attainable in the throw.
Stone Put
This event is similar to the modern-day shot put as seen in the Olympic Games. Instead of a steel shot, a large stone of variable weight is often used. There are also some differences from the Olympic shot put in allowable techniques. There are two versions of the stone toss events, differing in allowable technique. The “Braemar Stone” uses a 20–26 lb stone for men (13–18 lb for women) and does not allow any run up to the toeboard or “trig” to deliver the stone, i.e., it is a standing put. In the “Open Stone” using a 16–22 lb stone for men (or 8–12 lb for women), the thrower is allowed to use any throwing style so long as the stone is put with one hand with the stone resting cradled in the neck until the moment of release. Most athletes in the open stone event use either the “glide” or the “spin” techniques.
Weight for Distance
There are actually two separate events, one using a light (28 lb for men and 14 lb for women) and the other a heavy (56 lb for men, 42 lb for masters men, and 28 lb for women) weight. The weights are made of metal and have a handle attached either directly or by means of a chain. The implement is thrown using one hand only, but otherwise using any technique. Usually a spinning technique is employed. The longest throw wins.
Weight for Height
The athletes attempt to toss a 56-lb (4-st) weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand. Each athlete is allowed three attempts at each height. Successful clearance of the height allows the athlete to advance into the next round at a greater height. The competition is determined by the highest successful toss with fewest misses being used to break tie scores.
Sheaf Toss
A bundle of straw (the sheaf) weighing 20 lb (9 kg) for the men and 10 lb (4.5 kg) for the women and wrapped in a burlap bag is tossed vertically with a pitchfork over a raised bar much like that used in pole vaulting. The progression and scoring of this event are similar to the "Weight Over The Bar." There is significant debate among athletes as to whether the sheaf toss is in fact an authentic Highland event. Some argue it is actually a country fair event, but all agree that it is a great crowd-pleaser.
Traditional Dancing
Tartan Day South presents a full day of dancing exhibitions featuring Irish Step Dance, Scottish Country Day Dancing, and Highland Dancing. The dance stage rotates every hour exhibiting the three traditional genres. The music is lively and you might even be asked to try it yourself!
Sheep Dog Herding
Watch the amazing work of these highly skilled dogs working with a world-class trainer. Border Collies have long been the breed of choice for herding livestock. They have been bred for generations for their ability to think and herd livestock, and therefore the working lines of Border Collies come in a variety of coats, colors, and earsets as well as the possibility for one
or both of their eyes to be blue. The show has been a crowd favorite at Tartan Day South since 2010.
Birds of Prey
Wings to Soar's mission is to create awareness, about the vital role Birds of prey play in the natural world. Through our interactive outreach programs, we take environmental education to new heights. In our free flying raptor programs, we give our audience a unique opportunity to view Birds of Prey. Our hope is to facilitate a connection to the natural world, and spark curiosity to create a sense of value for all forms of life. Our greatest desire is to create a pathway for stewardship for generations to come.
Axe Throwing
Enjoy the ancient art of Axe Throwing while being taught by experts. The old Celtic sport of throwing the battle axe is still being practiced today. Axe throwing is one of the more popular events for not only men, but women and children as well. For centuries a favorite use of the Tomahawk has been for sport.
Tuatha Dea
Tuatha Dea is pure primal energy with a Celtic and world twist. The bands eclectic sound blends the tribal vibe of primitive drums with conventional and non-conventional instruments such as guitar, fiddle, bass, modern and Native American flutes, Didgeridoo, DRUMS and more as well as a myriad of vocal styles to create a truly unique sound. Tuatha Dea is a Gaelic phrase adopted from the Celtic mythology of the Tuatha de Danaan whose literary history originates in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. If you are looking to categorize their sound….how about some APPALACHIAN CELTIC TRIBAL GYPSY ROCK!
SYR
SYR is a unique Celtic Folk Rock band from Columbia, SC, taking inspiration from Celtic history, stories and myths, to create powerful songs with themes like battle, love, and victory. Front man Kyle MacCallum founded SYR on the belief that the rich heritage of the Celtic Nations and the Gaelic language could be brought to life in a contemporary musical style with broad audience appeal. From humble beginnings at pubs and local venues, SYR’s high-energy performance has become a welcome addition to Celtic festivals and events across the US. Tartan Day South is pleased to have them return to this year’s lineup.
Kilmaine Saints
Kilmaine Saints, formed on good whiskey and bad intentions, is the brainchild of two members of a Harrisburg Pipe & Drum band. Intended initially to secure free beer during St. Patrick’s Day events in Central Pennsylvania, the band grew with the help of fellow pipe band members and others. Since 2009, their high-energy sets feature sing-alongs, feet stomping and the hoisting of pints. Performing their critically acclaimed releases throughout the U.S., they have achieved national and international airplay and a loyal fanbase. Kilmaine Saints are equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride and whiskey. This Celtic rock band will likely steal listeners’ hearts.
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of a Nation
Location: Heritage Tent, Historic Columbia Speedway | 2001 Charleston Highway, Cayce SC
Event: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Included with Highland Games & Celtic Festival Tickets
Cross Stitch
Spinning
Rifle Making
Lexington County Museum
12,000 Year History Park
Archaeological Society of South Carolina
Blacksmithing
SC 250
South Carolina Battlefield Trust
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Granby Chapter
Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Godfrey Dreher Chapter
Cayce Historical Museum – 18th Century Sewing and Dyeing
Brick Making
Log Cabin Building and Woodworking Exercises
Fort Granby and the Town of Granby
African Americans and the Revolutionary War
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Lexington County Public Library
South Carolina Independent Company
Indigo Dyeing
Fifer Dan with the 2nd South Carolina Revolutionary War Reenactors
Life in the Colonial Period
Military Museum of South Carolina
Revolutionary War Surveying and Maps
Gullah Sweetgrass Basket Weaver
British Car Club Midlands Centre Presents
Carolina British Classics XVIII
Collector and Vintage
British Car Show
For British car show registration, please click here.
Scotch Education Tent
– A Special Ticketed Event –
Limited to 24 seats per session
Must be at least 21 years of age
We are working on the lineup of the 2024 sessions. Please check back soon.
Scotch Tasting Tent
– Special Ticketed Event –
Limited to 24 seats per session
Must be at least 21 years of age
Educational Seminar #1
1:00 PM – Led by Jacob LaSovage
- Laphroaig Select
- Laphroaig 10 Year
- Laphroaig Cairdeas
- Laphroaig Sherry Cask 10 Year
Educational Seminar #2
2:15 PM – Pernod Ricard
- The Glenlivet Founders Reserve
- The Glenlivet 12 Year Jamaica Edition
- The Glenlivet 14 Year
Educational Seminar #3
3:30 PM – Bacardi
- Aberfeldy 12 Year
- Dewars 12 Year
- Craigellachie 13 Year
At Tartan Day South
Relax and Enjoy the Entertainment and Revelry
48 Fables
EJ Campbell
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