Houston Highland Games Association

🌟 The Houston Highland Games are fast approaching! 🌟

Join us on October 12 at the Humble Civic Center for a celebration of Scottish heritage like no other! We’re excited to showcase some of the clans and organizations that will be part of this year’s festival:

🛡️ **Clan Stewart**
- **Region:** Lowlands and Highlands
- **District:** Renfrewshire, Teviotdale, and Lauderdale
💡 **Did You Know?** Clan Stewart is one of the most significant clans in Scottish history, with members having held the Scottish throne for centuries. Their lineage includes famous kings like Mary, Queen of Scots, and James VI, who united Scotland and England!

🇺🇸 **Scottish American Military Society**
💡 **Fun Fact:** This dedicated organization aims to honor and preserve the heritage and history of Scottish Americans who have served in the military. They participate in various events to promote awareness of their contributions to both Scotland and the United States!

👩‍🎓 **Daughters of the British Empire**
💡 **Did You Know?** This organization is committed to promoting the culture and heritage of the British Isles while supporting charitable endeavors. They play a vital role in fostering connections among members of Scottish descent and celebrating their rich heritage!

Come experience the music, dance, and athletic competitions that make the Houston Highland Games a must-see event! We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🇸🇨✨

🌟 The countdown to the Houston Highland Games is on! 🌟

Join us on October 12 at the Humble Civic Center as we celebrate our Scottish roots with an incredible gathering of clans! Here’s a look at two prestigious clans attending this year’s festival, along with some intriguing facts:

🛡️ **House of Bruce**
- **Region:** Lowlands
- **District:** Fife
- **Seat:** Broomhall House
💡 **Did You Know?** The House of Bruce is one of Scotland’s most famous royal families, best known for Robert the Bruce, who led Scotland to victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Their legacy continues to be celebrated as a symbol of Scottish independence and resilience!

🛡️ **Clan Buchanan**
- **Region:** Highlands
- **District:** Stirling
- **Seat:** Cambusmore
💡 **Fun Fact:** Clan Buchanan has a rich history of connection to the Scottish crown, with members serving as guardians of the Scottish kings. The clan's motto, "Clann an Sgàthan," means "The Children of the Mist," a nod to their ancestral lands near the misty shores of Loch Lomond!

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, enjoy traditional music, and witness thrilling athletic events. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🇸🇨✨

🌟 The Houston Highland Games are just around the corner! 🌟

Join us on October 12 at the Humble Civic Center for an unforgettable celebration of Scottish culture and heritage! We’re excited to highlight two of the clans that will be attending this year’s festival, along with some fascinating facts about them:

🛡️ **Clan Cameron**
- **Region:** Highlands
- **District:** Lochaber
- **Seat:** Achnacarry Castle
💡 **Did You Know?** Clan Cameron is known for its fierce loyalty and bravery, particularly during the Jacobite risings. The clan motto, "Aonaibh Ri Chèile," translates to "Unite," reflecting their strong sense of community and togetherness!

🛡️ **Clan Donnachaidh**
- **Region:** Highlands
- **District:** Struan, Perthshire
- **Seat:** Dunalastair Castle
💡 **Fun Fact:** Clan Donnachaidh, sometimes referred to as Clan Duncan, has a lineage that traces back to the 12th century. They are known as the "Children of Donnachadh," and their clan badge features the wild rose, symbolizing resilience and beauty.

Don’t miss out on the festivities, including traditional music, athletic competitions, and a chance to connect with these storied clans. We can’t wait to see you there! 🇸🇨✨

🌟 Excitement is building for the Houston Highland Games! 🌟

Join us on October 12 at the Humble Civic Center as we celebrate our Scottish heritage with an incredible lineup of clans! Here’s a look at two of our featured clans and some fun facts you may not know:

🛡️ **Clan Keith**
- **Region:** Highlands and Lowlands
- **District:** East Lothian, Aberdeenshire (Lowlands) & Caithness (Highlands)
- **Seat:** Keith Hall, Aberdeenshire
💡 **Did You Know?** The Keiths have a rich history dating back to the 12th century! They were known for their strong ties to the Scottish crown and played a significant role in various historical conflicts, including the Wars of Scottish Independence.

🛡️ **Clan Leslie**
- **Region:** Lowlands
- **District:** Aberdeenshire
- **Seat:** Wardhill Castle
💡 **Fun Fact:** Clan Leslie is renowned for its association with the famous Scottish Reformation leader, George Leslie. Their ancestral seat, Wardhill Castle, has been in the family for centuries and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former resident, adding a touch of mystery to its storied past!

Come and immerse yourself in the traditions, music, and athletic prowess that the Houston Highland Games have to offer. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🇸🇨✨

🌟 Get Ready for the Houston Highland Games! 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce more clans joining us for this year’s festival on October 12 at the Humble Civic Center! Here’s a spotlight on two incredible clans and some intriguing facts you might not know about them:

🛡️ **Clan McIntyre**
- **Region:** Highlands of Scotland
- **District:** Argyll
- **Seat:** Glen Noe
💫 **Did You Know?** The McIntyres are known for their deep connection to the land, with their name meaning "Son of the Tighern," which refers to a chief or lord. They also have a rich history of involvement in the Scottish Jacobite uprisings!

🛡️ **Clan Sinclair**
- **Region:** Highlands of Scotland
- **District:** Caithness
- **Seat:** Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
💫 **Fun Fact:** Clan Sinclair is one of the oldest clans in Scotland, with roots tracing back to the 12th century. Their ancestral seat, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, is perched dramatically on the cliffs, overlooking the sea, making it a breathtaking sight steeped in history!

Join us as we honor these clans and celebrate Scottish culture! Don’t miss out on the festivities, music, and athletic competitions that make the Houston Highland Games a must-see event! 🇸🇨✨

📣 Exciting Announcement for the Houston Highland Games Festival! 🎉

Join us on October 12 at the Humble Civic Center as we celebrate our rich Scottish heritage with a fantastic gathering of clans! We're thrilled to announce the clans attending this year’s festival:

🛡️ **Clan MacTavish**
- **Region:** Highlands of Scotland
- **District:** Argyll
- **Seat:** Castle of Dunardy

🛡️ **Clan Ross**
- **Region:** Highland of Scotland
- **District:** Ross
- **Seat:** Balnagown Castle

Come experience the vibrant culture, music, and athletic competitions that embody the spirit of Scotland! We can’t wait to see you there! 🇸🇨✨

🎉🌟 Exciting Announcement for the 2024 Festival Clans! 🌟🎉

Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Scotland at this year's festival! Join us as we celebrate the following incredible clans:

🏴‍☠️ **Clan Gregor**
📍 **Region:** Highlands of Scotland
🏞️ **District:** Argyle and Perthshire
🏰 **Seat:** Boreland House

🏴‍☠️ **Clan Macpherson**
📍 **Region:** Highlands of Scotland
🏞️ **District:** Badenoch
🏰 **Seat:** Newton Castle

Join us for a weekend filled with traditional music, delicious food, and captivating performances that honor our Scottish roots! Bring your family and friends, and don't miss out on the fun! Saturday, October 12 at the Humble Civic Center.

Let’s celebrate our clans together! 🎶🥳

🌊🍟 Hey everyone! This Saturday at 3 PM, several of us are gathering at Fish and Chips Houston in Kema for a chill meet and greet! 🎉✨ It's a come-and-go vibe, so swing by for some delicious food and great fellowship. Who's in? Let us know if you’re interested! Can’t wait to see you all there! 🙌❤️

Come join our games family for 2024! Clan, vendor, and exhibitor applications are available now on our website. Apply soon and please email or DM us with any questions.

**Throwback Tuesday'eve'!**

Here's a snapshot from the opening ceremony of the 2005 Houston Highland Games at the Farm and Ranch Center. What a fantastic day it was, filled with kilts, bagpipes, and family fun!

Join us for this year’s games on October 12 at the Humble Civic Center Arena. Don’t miss out on the tradition and excitement!

Come out to Kingwood on August 20th for good food, fellowship, and to help support HHGA.

🛠️🏴 Call for Volunteers! 🏴🛠️

The **Houston Highland Games 2024** are just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make this event a success! Join us on **October 12th** at the Humble Civic Center and Arena for a day of fun and festivities. Volunteers are also needed on **October 11th** for setup starting at 7 AM.

**FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11**
Volunteers needed for:
1. Moving supplies from our storage building on Hwy 1960 to the game site.
2. Helping the Site Chairman in laying out the clan and vendor area.
3. Setting up competition areas.
4. Assisting incoming vendors and clans with their setup.
5. Setting up other areas as needed.
6. Other tasks as required.

**SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12**
Volunteers needed for:
1. Assisting with competitions.
2. Helping in the entertainment area.
3. Supporting the HHGA tables.
4. Tear down and transporting supplies back to storage at the end of the event.
5. Other tasks as required.

📜 **Perks for Volunteers:**
- Work 6 hours on Friday and receive TWO tickets for Saturday.
- Work at least 3 hours on Saturday and receive ONE ticket for the day.

Sign up now at http://houstonhighlandgames.com to be part of this amazing event!

Let's come together and make the Houston Highland Games 2024 unforgettable! 💪🏴

Houston Highland Games Association (HHGA) Houston Highland Games Association (HHGA)

🎉🏴 Exciting News, Athletes! 🏴🎉

Registration is NOW OPEN for the **Houston Highland Games 2024**! Get ready to showcase your strength, skill, and spirit on **October 12th** at the Humble Civic Center and Arena. This is a premier event you won't want to miss!

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-timer, this is your chance to be part of something truly special. Our Athletic Directors, Cindy and Bill Sermeno, are gearing up for an unforgettable day of athleticism and camaraderie.

👉 **Sign up now:** [Register Here](https://ironpodium.com/browse/event/houston-highland-games-2024)

Don't wait! Secure your spot and join us for a day filled with traditional Highland Games events, fun, and festivities. See you there!

Houston Highland Games Association Our activities throughout the year are a family friendly celebration of the Celtic heritage

📢 Exciting news! 🐾🏨 We are thrilled to announce that our October 12 Festival has partnered with pet-friendly Staybridge Suites! 🎉

📞 To make your reservations, simply call the hotel at 832-995-1000 or keep an eye out for the Group Reservations booking link, which will be provided in a few days. Remember to identify yourselves as part of the Houston Highland Games group to enjoy our exclusive group rates! 🎟️

💳 All reservations must be held by credit card, and the booking must be completed by September 27, 2024. If you need to cancel your reservation, please make sure to do so by 3PM, 24 hours prior to the first night to avoid charges for the first night, including taxes. 📅

🛏️ We have two fantastic room options for you:
- Studio Suite with a King bed for $119.00
- One-bedroom Suite with two Queen beds or one King bed for $139.00

🐶 Plus, we have great news for pet owners! Staybridge Suites is a pet-friendly hotel, and we are delighted to welcome your furry friends. There is a pet fee of $75.00, and we kindly ask you to adhere to the hotel's 11:00 PM curfew to ensure a peaceful stay for all guests. 🐱

⏰ Check-in time is 3PM, and check-out is at 11AM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your stay. So mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic event at the pet-friendly Staybridge Suites! 🎊

📢🌟 Exciting News! 🌟📢

Attention all Houston Celtic Festival and Highland Games attendees! We have some fantastic updates regarding our host hotel, Holiday Inn, that you won't want to miss!

🏨 Location: Holiday Inn, 18555 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas 77338.
💰 Rates: Enjoy the exclusive festival rate of $109.00 per night for both single and double rooms. Please note that this rate does not include state and local taxes.
🍳 Breakfast: Start your day off right with two complimentary breakfasts included with each room reservation.
🚐 Shuttle Service: Worried about transportation? Fear not! A convenient shuttle service is available to transport you to and from Bush International Airport.
🚫 Pet Policy: Please be aware that no pets are allowed at the hotel.
📅 Reservations: To secure your stay, reservations must be made by call-in or online before September 12, 2024.
☎️ Contact: For reservations, please call 281-540-3600 and don't forget to ask for the special HHGA rates.

We're grateful to the Holiday Inn for their excellent service and support in making your festival experience even more enjoyable. Let's show our appreciation by choosing this fantastic host hotel for our Houston Celtic Festival and Highland Games adventure! 🎉🏴

Did ye know- On 11 July 1274 Robert the Bruce was born in Turnberry Castle, Ayrshire. The heir of the Earl of Carrick, Bruce’s father was one of Scotland’s leading nobles and his grandfather was one of the leading contenders to the throne left empty by the death of Margaret of Norway. After the death of William Wallace, Bruce led the campaign to regain Scottish independence, culminating in his stunning victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314.

On the 11 July 1370 Marjory Stewart, the daughter of King Robert II, married John Dunbar, the first Earl of Moray, against her father’s consent. Dunbar died after injuring himself at a tournament in London in 1391, but their son Thomas succeeded the title.

🚨 Important Announcement 🚨

Due to the destruction of Hurricane Beryl, we regret to inform you that the Houston Highland Games Association Meeting scheduled for this evening has been CANCELLED.

The safety and well-being of our members and attendees is our top priority, and we want to ensure that everyone stays safe during this time. Our Annual General Membership (AGM) Meeting is being rescheduled from today (July 10th), instead to be held next week, on July 17th, 2024 (Wednesday).

Please take all necessary precautions and stay tuned for further updates. Stay safe, everyone!

Happy Independence Day!

The Scots-American Influence – Celtic Life International Of the fifty-six members of the Continental Congress of 1776 who signed the Declaration of Independence, James Wilson of Pennsylvania and John Witherspoon of New Jersey were natives of Scotland. William Hooper of North Carolina, George Ross of Delaware, Thomas Nelson, Jr., of Virginia, and Philip Li...

Here is the full post in the event ye missed it...Will we see you there in your summer kilt finest?

BAGPIPES ON DRAFT 2024 Benefitting the St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band, Houston, Texas. A heartfelt thank you to the Cottonwood Bar for hosting, and to all the individuals and companies that donated auction items and raffle prizes.

Check it out! Make sure your calendars are marked
https://givebutter.com/c/STA?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3oUzy4nwGXK8lYRLo9FvTXG0ZmcKmrPUWOvvdwepF4qS5qTpKxX5vATDQ_aem_1RYVbx4H1RY6rrDxbziZBQ

BAGPIPES ON DRAFT 2024 Benefitting the St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band, Houston, Texas. A heartfelt thank you to the Cottonwood Bar for hosting, and to all the individuals and companies that donated auction items and raffle prizes.

BAGPIPES ON DRAFT 2024 Benefitting the St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band, Houston, Texas. A heartfelt thank you to the Cottonwood Bar for hosting, and to all the individuals and companies that donated auction items and raffle prizes.

In the event you are in Alaska, schedule a time to check out their Highland Games

Highland Games 2024 | Official Event Guide The Alaskan Scottish Highland Games are back June 29th & 30th at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer!

📣 Exciting Announcement! 🏴

Join us for the next Houston Highland Games Association (HHGA) Membership Meeting on June 5th, 2024 (Wednesday) at St Thomas’ Episcopal School (STES), 4900 Jackwood St, Houston, TX 77096. 🗓️

Here are the details:
🕡 Time: The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
🏢 Location: Reserved Board Room at STES.
🅿️ Parking: Conveniently located across from the STES lobby entrance, accessible via Jackwood or Endicott Street.
📝 Check-in: Please check in at the STES lobby Reception Desk. Remember to bring a photo ID for entry.

Agenda Highlights:
📄 Reports: Updates from the Officers and Committee Chairpersons.
📋 Nominations: Review the Draft Report from the Nominating Committee for elections at our Annual General Membership Meeting on Wed, July 10th. Nominations must be finalized prior to June 25th.
🎉 Games Day: Discuss plans and strategies for our upcoming Games Day events on October 12th, 2024.

We will also have discussions on recent May events, including the Scarborough Renaissance Festival (Apr 6th-May 27th) and Decatur Celtic Festival (May 3rd-4th). Plus, get ready for our upcoming June event - HHGA Spirit Night on June 10th Tios Beechnut Restaurant.

Mark your calendars and join us for an evening filled with camaraderie and exciting updates. We look forward to seeing you there! 🎉🏴

Any of our members there? Post yer pics

Did you know there is a solar eclipse tartan?