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NORTH MECK MAYORS FACE
OFF AT RURAL HILL
HUNTERSVILLE, NC: Huntersville Mayor
Jill Swain, Davidson Mayor John Woods, and Cornelius Mayor Jeff
Tarte will face off in a Battle Axe Competition on Saturday, April
19, at the Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill. At 11 AM in an
event known for patience, skill, timing and of course, bragging
rights, the three North Mecklenburg area mayors will take their turn
on the competition field in the camaraderie of competition to see
who can hit the target. The Official Referee for this “Winner Takes
All” Battle is NC State Representative Thom Tillis. Rural Hill
Executive Director Ed McClean notes, “The mayors are good sports.
This truly is a celebration of North Mecklenburg neighbors coming
together to support our historic Rural Hill and the Loch Norman
Highland Games. What an honor. And what fun for our community.
Come on out and enjoy the show!” The Mayoral Battle Axe
Competition is part of the Saturday Games which offers general
admission for the public: $15 per adult, $5 for children 10-17, and
free admission for children 9 and under. Full event listings and
pricing for the Loch Norman Highland Games are available at
www.ruralhill.net.
The
art of battle axe throwing has been around for centuries and played
an important part in Scottish history. The battle of Bannockburn,
of one of the most spectacular battles of the Scottish Wars of
Independence, was a Scottish victory was of enormous importance as
it secured the future of the throne for Robert Bruce, King of Scots.
And the Celtic sport of throwing the battle axe is still being
practiced today. Axe throwing is one of the more popular events for
not only men, but women and children as well. In addition to the
Mayors Competition, Battle Axe Throws are open for entries in the
amateur field events. A tip from a professional thrower is offered
to the mayors and the public, “Most people throw the axe too hard
and as a result accuracy suffers. The key is getting the axe to
rotate while remaining upright. Don’t throw them like a ball, keep
the arm fairly straight and snap the wrist to get it spinning.”
The 15th Annual Loch Norman
Highland Games runs April 18-20, 2008 at Rural Hill. There is fun
for all ages from watching the competitions and demonstrations, to
participating in the Amateur Athletics on the Field. Ticket prices
vary from $8 to $20 depending on the day or activities selected.
Amateur Athletic Competitions including the
Battle Axe Competition, Climbing Wall,
Highland Wrestling, Long Bow Archery Competition, Heavy Stone Lift &
Carry, and the Children’s Field Competitions like the Kilted
Mile for Lads & Lassies. Demonstrations include
Piping and Drumming Competitions,
Scottish Fiddle Workshops & Competition, Highland Dancing, and the
popular Scottish Heavy Athletics - Professional Competition
Events including Clachneart (16lb Stone), 22 lb Hammer Throw, 28 lb
Weight Throw, 56 lb Weight Throw, 56 lb Weight Toss for Height,
Turning the Caber, and Tossing the Sheaf (16 lb Sheaf).
Note: Professional athletes are by invitation only.
The weekend also offers a variety
of Scottish & Celtic music in the Entertainment Tent as well
as opportunities to learn more about Scottish heritage, history and
its role in the Carolinas.
For complete Loch Norman Highland
Games at Rural Hill
information, visit
www.ruralhill.net. Tickets are available for purchase at
the gate as follows:
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Friday Evening Music,
Torchlight Ceremony and Call o’ the Clans General
Admission: $8 includes parking Friday Evening Buffet: $13
(Children 9 & under: $5)
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Friday Evening Scottish Country
Welcome Dance (at Hopewell Presbyterian Church): Gallery:
$3/Participant: $15
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Saturday Games: $15 (Children 10-17:
$5/Children 9 and under free)
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Saturday Evening Celtic
Entertainment/Saturday Nite Live at Rural Hill: $10
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Sunday Games: $10 (Children 10-17:
$5/Children 9 and under free)
-
NOTE: Saturday & Sunday Parking: $5
(supports Huntersville Lions Club and Rural Hill, and includes
one commemorative program per car valued at $5)
-
Saturday Evening Scottish Country
Dancing Gala (at Hopewell Presbyterian Church): Gallery:
$3/Participant: $20
Rural Hill is located at 4431 Neck
Road (off Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078. The former
homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson, the 265 acre site is
maintained and promoted by The Catawba Valley Scottish Society (CVSS).
Rural Hill features annual events such as The Loch Norman Highland
Games, The Amazing Maize Maze, The Spirit of the Hornet’s Nest
(battle reenactments) and The Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials. CVSS is a
non-profit organization supported through membership and donations.
For more information on events or for financial support accepted
securely online, please visit
www.ruralhill.net.
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