The sound of bagpipes, the smell of beer and men in kilts  – it’s the 38th annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games!

The games were held his past weekend in Central Winds Park in Winter Springs.  I’m really sad that it has taken me over 16 years of living in Florida to attend!!! Why have I not gone before?!?!?!?!

I can say that I never plan to miss the games again!

The event was full of all kinds of food – a little something for everyone.  A lot of athletic competitions, including some of the most macho men I’ve ever seen in real life carrying around giant rocks and throwing heavy things far.  All while drinking beer.

There were pipe and drums competitions, lots of vendors, and of course, a lot of alcohol.  But the event was super friendly for all ages – my kids had a blast!

Tents were set up throughout the park, each sporting information about the different clans that make up Scotland.  Find your last name and learn more about the history, the tartan and more.  It was pretty amazing.  And sad.  I wanted a clan for myself.

I also learned there’s a difference between Whiskey and Whisky.

• Countries that have E’s in their names (UnitEd StatEs and IrEland) tend to spell it whiskEy (plural whiskeys)
• Countries without E’s in their names (Canada, Scotland, and Japan) spell it whisky (plural whiskies)

The annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games is typically held on the third weekend of January in Central Winds Park in Winter Springs.