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
Dale Arrowood founded Winged Ambassadors with a mission to promote environmental conservation, specifically protection for the wildlife that we share the earth with, through a uniquely designed program of education. These programs feature some of the very Birds of Prey responsible for long ago capturing his fascination. His exhibitions have now provided thousands of people in many different communities the rare and exhilarating opportunity of coming face-to-face with these breathtaking animals as they learn more about them and the complex, important roles they play in supporting the geographical ecosystems on which we all rely.
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.
The Tan and Sober Gentlemen
The Tan and Sober Gentlemen pioneer a sound they call "Celtic punk-grass." Raw and unfiltered, this style is a blend of hard- driving, danceable roots music delivered with a punk edge and whiskey-fuelled abandon. Known for their raucous live show featuring on-stage shenanigans, audience engagement, and tremendous energy, the Tan and Sober Gentlemen is the best drinking and dancing band you''ll find. The band hails from North Carolina.
British Car Club Midlands Centre Presents
Carolina British Classics XV
Collector and Vintage
British Car Show
For British car show registration, please click here.
Scotch Tasting 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 2023 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
Andrew Pair
Beam Global Specialist
- Laphroaig Quarter Cask
- Auchentoshan Three Wood
- Bowmore Darkest 15 Year
Educational Seminar #2
2:15 PM
Tala Armstrong
Pernod Ricard Business Development Manager
- The Glenlivet 14 Year Cognac Cask
- Chivas 18 Year
- Aberlour A’bunnadh Alba
Educational Seminar #3
3:30 PM
Katie McMurdy
Bacardi USA Key Account Manager
- Aberfeldy 12 Year
- Craigellachie 13 Year Bas-Armagnac
- Dewars Double Double 21 Year
At Tartan Day South
Relax and Enjoy the Entertainment and Revelry
Celtic Conundrum
EJ Campbell
At Tartan Day South
Relax and Enjoy the Entertainment and Revelry
Tartan Day South 2023 Piper Sponsors
