Highland Games needs volunteers or it may be cancelled

The air may be about to go out of the bagpipes. The annual Whidbey Island Highland Games, sponsored by the Whidbey Island Celtic Society, is in danger of being cancelled after 10 years for lack of volunteers.

By Roy Jacobson • February 25, 2009 3:18 pm

GREENBANK — The air may be about to go out of the bagpipes.

The annual Whidbey Island Highland Games, sponsored by the Whidbey Island Celtic Society, is in danger of being cancelled after

10 years for lack of volunteers.

“We really need some help, or it’s not going to happen,” said Maureen Lee, past president of the Celtic society.

“That’s not a threat, it’s a promise,” Lee continued. “I’m about ready to pull the plug. I can’t do it on my own.”

The nonprofit event has been held on the second Saturday in August at Greenbank Farm for the past decade. It celebrates Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8.

It features competitions in bagpiping, drumming, dancing and authentic athletic events, including tossing the caber — a long, heavy pole — and throwing the “heavy stone.”

The festival also features traditional food and drink, and displays of clothing, literature and music.

Lee said the event regularly attracts as many as 3,500 people, many from off-island, a boon to local businesses.

Lee, owner of The Tartan Thistle along Highway 525 in Freeland, said the games are organized by a six-person committee and are put on entirely by volunteers. She said she could use as many as 20 new people to help.

“A few of our key players on the team are moving on to other projects,” Lee said. “We can’t do this without some community help.”

She said volunteers needn’t be experts in all things Scottish. She needs organizers, and people who can swing a hammer, set up platforms and tents, people who will work the day of the festival and people who will clean up afterward.

“Wherever they’re willing to help, in a big or small way, we can find a hole for them,” Lee said.

She said donations aren’t an issue, but items for the hospitality tent for VIPs, judges and volunteers would be welcome.

“And you don’t have to be Scottish, and you don’t have to own a kilt,” Lee said.

For information or to volunteer, call Lee at 331-4688 or e-mail bagpipes@TartanThistle.com.