501(c)(3) South Bay Scottish Society is hosting the return of the Scottish Highland Games Celtic Athletics at the 39th Annual Calaveras Celtic Faire March 7 - 9, 2025. SBSS from San Jose, CA, organizes Scottish events to promote Scottish culture and keep the Scottish traditions alive. New this year is SBSS's - Celtic Athletics. The Celtic Athletics focuses on health and throwing everything heavy including trees. Friday March 7th will be a demonstration of the Athletics for invited spectators, this is a good opportunity for athletes to get in a free practice before their competition. Camping is available. Saturday March 8th will be nine Highland Athletic competition events during the festival plus an exhibition event. Sunday March 9th will be a series of Strongman events with a couple of Highland events. There will be 6 athlete classes of 10 spots each (capped at 60 athletes per day) on Saturday and Sunday. Athletes will receive an Athlete Celtic Faire t-shirt and a goodie bag for attending. Lunch will be provided. The throwing events will take place in the lower half of the fairgrounds (near rodeo arena) and there is a designated special gate for athletes to drive through and free parking. Athletes and family/friends are encouraged to enjoy the Celtic Faire as there is lots to do and see from live Celtic music, whisky tasting, jousting, living history and more. Come have an amazing and memorable time.

Saturday Classes: Men's B & C, Men's Masters 40+ & 50+, Women's B & C, Men's Lightweight, Women's Lightweight, Women's Masters 40+, Women's Masters 50+, Men's & Women's A. NOTE: the implements of any class not mentioned will be available for use. 

Sunday Classes: Individual Personal Records

Saturday's Competition will consist of the following nine events:

Open Stone, Braemar Stone, (No Heavy & Light Hammers), Farmer's Carry, Heavy & Light Weight for Distance, Caber, Weight over Bar & Sheaf.

Sunday's Competition's:

Deadlift, Farmer's Carry, Hay Bale Stack, Stone Lift, WOB, Sheaf, Caber, Dummy Drag, Ammo Carry Race.

Competitors may compete on BOTH days at no extra charge. Just sign up once and let the Athletic Director know if you wish to compete both days.

Athletes must participate in all events to qualify for the aggregate awards. 

Aggregate ties will be broken by number of 1st, 2nd, etc in individual events. If still tied, Caber score will determine place.

Awesome awards will be offered this year from our sponsors such as bottles of whiskey, cash prizes, challenge coins, a backpack filled with surprises and more.

The weather will be cold and possibly wet so dress appropriately. In the event a storm or tornado comes in, the games will be halted and athletes will move to Exhibition Events in a covered arena. You are welcome to bring your own pop up tent, food, drinks, supplements etc. You should expect to be competing until 5:00 P.M. as we are there to entertain the crowd also.

Camping is permitted. Campers are allowed. Trailers are also allowed but there are no hook ups (electrical, sewage, water etc.). Feel free to get your own hotel room.

If by March 1st fewer than 4 applications are received for a given class, said class will be eliminated and athletes may be asked to choose a different class for competition.

Applications may be accepted after March 5th (t-shirts may not be available), including field registration on a space available basis determined by Athletic Director.

Pre-registration fees for athletic competition: $10 with a shirt (plus small processing fee). 

Walk in sign ups are available however, you may not receive a shirt and goodie bag.

There is no payment for parking. You will receive a parking pass, security this year will be tighter than ever!

Winners 1st place through 3rd place in each class will receive awards. Certificates will be printed & given to athletes after their competition. Scores will be uploaded to NASGA & Scottish Scores shortly after the weekend.

Registration fees may be refunded if no show or other legitimate excuse. If you are having financial hardships then contact the Athletic Director for a Fee Waiver and your fees will be waived and you may* be offered a gas card so you can come and compete. 

Rules:

Competition will be conducted in accordance to NASGA & SBSS rules.

Athletes must be 18 years or older to compete. 

All athletes may* wear the official games shirt provided and kilt (with undergarments) during competition.

Check-in time for all athletes begins at 8:30 am at the Athletes Tent and will close promptly at 9:30 am.

Competition starts promptly at 9:45 a.m. Athlete Meeting 9:30 (Weigh-in at scoring table during check-in. They may be done earlier if a judge is available.)

Scottish/Irish attitudes only. Leave your politics and other b.s. outside of the gates.

For questions contact Josh Laine, Athletic Director, (925)321-0373 or [email protected]