Like the poet Robert Burns' mouse
In spite of our best efforts, our plans have gone astray.

2012 Campbell Highland Games Update

The Campbell Highland Games Association has had to cancel the Games scheduled for May 12, 2012. As you may recall from last year, the City of Campbell notified us 6 weeks before our 2011 Games saying we would not be allowed to have our event because the field was not ready due to re-seeding of the grass. For an event that had been a Campbell tradition for several decades and was on the verge of a "come back" after several years' hiatus, this may have been a devastating blow.

Following that setback, we set our sights on 2012 and began eagerly planning. Gradually, our organization began to diminish in terms of interest and staffing. Fewer people showed up at our monthly meetings and our Board began having vacancies. Our fundraising events went unattended. A message was being sent to me. We are now at the point of not having enough manpower or resources to have the Campbell Highland Games.

While it is unfortunate that we will not be hosting a Highland Games what is more unfortunate is that the South Bay is loosing its premier opportunity to celebrate and generate interest in our unique Scottish culture. Our young highland dancers, pipers, drummers, and our highland athletes will not have an opportunity to compete against their peers from all over California. Clans will not be present to showcase family lines and opportunities for family genealogical research. Celtic vendors will not be able to offer tastes of Scottish foods, clothing, jewelry, books, and music. The skirl of the bagpipes will not reach deep into the hearts of people who have Celtic blood or those that wish they did.

If you and others are interested in the challenge of preserving our Scottish culture in the South Bay, please contact me. Until we have sufficient local support, manpower, sponsors, and mostly, a burning desire to get the Games back, the Games will remain dormant.

The Scots are known for their tenacity and overcoming adversity. The South Bay is proud of its diversity and heritage.

The pipes are calling and no one is answering