The Messenger At Arms
You Play What?
by Nick Williams
When I was ten my mother was insistent that I play an instrument. Tried violin, guitar, and even a short stint in chorus. Nothing seemed to suit me . Then one evening my mom threw a crazy party and her friend Bob Penland brought his pipes. The sound touched my soul. This was what I wanted to play. It was the most amazing sound. Now, grant you, the instrument has to be in the hands of a competent player. Bagpipes can sound awful if you are not properly trained and your instrument has to be given the attention as though it is your wife if you want it not to argue with you!. I fell in love with the pipes. Let's just say the practices in the living room as I was learning would clear the house, and the immediate neighborhood.
Years later I was walking on Furman's Campus and thought this place would be a great location for a highland games, the view of Paris Mountain in the background, the close location to my house. Seven years ago Dee and I, over some fajitas, decided to do it. Let's bring the Scottish Highlands to Greenville. Be careful, be verrryy careful, what you say around Dee Benedict. She will make things happen. We have never looked back. I hope you enjoy the Piping and Drumming competitions and the sounds captures your soul as it has me.
Nick Williams
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The Competitions of the greenville scottish games!
Saturday, May 26th at Furman University
The Scots are not known for their cooking. They are, however, widely acknowledged as being fierce competitors and will make virtually anything into a contest of strength, agility, and guile.
We offer these competitions for you to sample. Pipers, athletics, axe-throwing, Highland dancing, even their dogs are part of the spirit. We will have to restrain you if you have an urge to run out onto the Athletics Field to toss a caber; however, the axe-throwing competition is open to everyone. Watch the finest competitors, human and canine, in all the venues rise to the challenge.
