Capital District Scottish Games
Overview
A Celtic festival of arts, featuring pipe bands, highland dancing, athletics, clans, celtic folk/rock music, sheep and scottie dog exhibition and much more. Fun for the whole family.History:
The Capital District Scottish Games held annually in Altamont New York on Labor Day weekend is a tradition dating back to 1939. Clan MacRae the original sponsors put together the first "Games" in a little town, just outside of Schenectady, New York called Scotia, a historical Scottish name. From the late 1970s to the present, the "Games" are sponsored by the Schenectady Pipe Band. www.schenectadypipeband.com
During Clan MacRae's reign from 1939 to the late 60s they were held at the Locmotive club in Schenectady, New York. There were no "Games" for 12 years until the Schenectady Pipe Band took over in 1978.
Competition bands increased from 12 in the 1950s to more than 50 in the 21st century. Pipe Bands travel from all over the United States and Canada to participate in the "Games". Competition in Highland Dancing, Athletics, Pipes and Drums regularly draws more than one thousand participants.
The Capital District Scottish Games are an eclectic blend of traditional pipe and folk music to today's modern sounds in Celtic music. Food and drink is a cross- section of Scottish and American. And people, 18 thousand strong, from all backgrounds flock to the Altamont Fair Grounds, Altamont, New York each Labor Day weekend to enjoy an entertainment packed two days for a very low price.
Although we have grown over the years our attitude remains the same, to present a "warm and friendly family atmosphere". Our Celtic Festival of the Arts is one of the largest in the country but when you are there you always feel that the "Games" are designed especially for you.
