- February 19, 2025
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Daniel Lindemann participates in the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyRiverview High School 9th graders Gabriel Alendar and Addie Schoenfelder offer a performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyNick Richards does the weight over bar.
Photo by Ian SwabyKaren and Jeff Lipnichan came from New Port Richey, with their dogs Lucy and Jack, to help support Scottish Terrier Rescue of Florida.
Photo by Ian SwabySenior Drum Major Steve McClure marches in the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyBaker Zovath, 4, had his face painted based on the film "Braveheart."
Photo by Ian SwabyJohn Gale and Mary Mullen walk in the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyDenise Inosencio and her grandaughter Sophia Douglas, 9, pet Kaylee.
Photo by Ian SwabyNix Houston does the caber toss.
Photo by Ian SwabyCaleb Sedlak, 16, of Bradenton, prepares for the stone put.
Photo by Ian SwabyMarching bands proceed onto the field during the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabySarasota's Phil Irwin of Clan Irwin prepares to walk in the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyKobe Shepherd, 1, pets Kaylee.
Photo by Ian SwabyButch Teston and Sean Buchta participate in the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyChristian Jones, a 9th grader at Riverview High School, plays the bagpipes.
Photo by Ian SwabyBarb Sinclair does the caber toss.
Photo by Ian SwabyBecky Wissink helps Julianne Durante take hold of the caber.
Photo by Ian SwabyMavis herds sheep during a demonstration.
Photo by Ian SwabyBryan Klopfenstein of Drunken Shrubbery plays the fiddle.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe Salty Heifer offered Amori Torres, 14, of Riverview, a special opportunity to enter the cow pin and pet the cows Brody (pictured) and Saiorse.
Photo by Ian SwabyLeslie Jones and Bob Fair, president of Suncoast Scots, are part of the group Lion Rampant Pipe & Drum.
Photo by Ian SwabyLiving history performers Jacob Winge and Bryan Thagard walk in the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyIn 1885, a group of Scots arrived on the shores of Sarasota.
Although they were met with drought and wilderness instead of the town they were promised, with many leaving in disappointment, the remaining Scots helped establish the town of Sarasota.
Bob Fair, president of Suncoast Scots, said this history is why the Suncoast Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival, which was held Feb. 1, resonates with the public.
He noted the large turnout at the event, which included piping and drumming, Highland games such as the caber toss and stone put, and a Highland dance competition.
"My ancestors have Scottish roots, and it's just an honor for me to be able to pick this instrument up in my life and play it," said Fair, who plays the bagpipes with Lion Rampant Pipe & Drum.
It was the second year that Suncoast Scots, a nonprofit devoted to preserving Scottish culture, has hosted the event.
"Two years ago, I personally put 100 dollars in a checking account to start it, and here look at this today, so I am so pleased and happy that we've been able to do this," Fair said.
The festival drew competitors and musicians from far and wide, such as Ethan Albrecht-Carrie, a participant in the Highland games from Orlando.
"It's a small community, and so, wherever the game is, we show up," he said. "It's as much for each other as it is for the fans, which have a great time. It's a really nice family."