The South Bay Scottish Society is teaming up with the Mother Lode Scots to host the Highland Games at the 40th Annual Calaveras Celtic Faire March 6 - 8, 2026. Friday March 6th will be a first ever Junior's Athletics for 17 years of age and under. Saturday & Sunday will be nine Highland Athletic competition events during the festival plus an exhibition event - the Watermelon Hammer Throw! Athletes will receive a 40th Anniversary Athlete Celtic Faire t-shirt and a goodie bag for attending. A brand new Registered Celtic Faire Kilt is also available for purchase!!!! Lunch will be provided. The throwing events will take place in the upper back half of the fairgrounds and there is a designated special gate for athletes 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 Celtic memorable time.

Friday March 6 Classes: Juniors Class: 17 years of age and younger. Many local high school and middle schools are attending (2,000 students).

Saturday March 7 Classes: Men's Masters 40+, Men's Masters 50+ & 60+, Women's B & C,  Women's Lightweight, Women's Masters 40+, Women's Masters 50+ & 60+, Women's A Class. 

Sunday March 8 Classes: Men's B & C, Men's Lightweight, Men's A Class

NOTE: the implements of any class not mentioned will be available for use.

Saturday & Sunday Competitions will consist of the following nine events:

Open Stone, Braemar Stone, Heavy & Light Hammers, Heavy & Light Weight for Distance, Caber, Weight Over Bar & Sheaf. Exhibition Event: Watermelon Hammer Throw (Special Prize).

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, 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. (9:30am - 3:00pm) 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 that class will be added to 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: $30 with a shirt (plus 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.

Winners 1st place through 3rd place in each class will receive awards. Certificates will be EMAILED to athletes after their competition. Scores will be uploaded to Scottish Scores shortly after their event.

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 or adult supervision. 

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. Light weight weigh in is as soon as they arrive.

Competition starts promptly at 9:45 a.m. Athlete Meeting 9:30am.

Scottish/Irish attitudes only.

For questions contact Josh Laine, Athletic Director, (925)321-0373 or [email protected] or Assistant Athletic Director Jacob Sands (209)418-8522.