This was a special one for me. Over 15 years ago I used to compete as a bagpiper(trust me, it doesn’t sound like a real thing to me either) and one of the fondest memories I have is competing as a bagpiper at an event called the New Hampshire Highland Games located at Loon Mountain.
Now many things have changed for me over the years but one thing that has never waned is my affinity for Highland Games. I grew up going to dozens of these as a kid and it was a big part of my formative years. These events are pretty surreal too, they have strong men throwing a giant telephone pole through the air, 20 piece bands made up of just bagpipers and drummers, girls that dance in between two swords, flasks, daggers, and plaid tote bags for sale, haggis(sheep guts) served as an entree, and there’s more people in kilts than there are in pants. Scottish Highland Games is a whole world you wouldn’t even know existed unless you heard about it…which is why I’m telling you. For the past 12 years I’ve had the privilege of performing this show in 9 different countries all over the world. I’ve been as far as New Zealand and I’ve got to say it was really special this year in New Hampshire to come back full circle and not just watch the acts that are there but to BE one of those acts.
Until next time Loon Mountain, thanks for a great one.