Montana’s 2023 Bitterroot Celtic Games: Photos

The 2023 Bitterroot Celtic Games was another success this year. Held again at the Daily Mansion in Hamilton, Montana. This has turned into the premiere event in for everything "Celtic". It is one of the biggest games for pipe band music, heavyweight athletics, and dancing in the state of Montana. If you didn't make it this year, you should really plan on being there next year.

An Amazing Celebration in Hamilton, Montana

This year's event saw some pretty amazing feats of strength in the athletics competition. The "sheaf toss" event drew a big crowd and had contestants throwing the sheaf over 30 feet in the air, using a pitchfork. There was music playing non-stop both days. There was traditional highland pipes played by bands from Billings, Helena, Great Falls and Missoula, Montana. There were also pipe band musicians from Spokane, Tri-Cities and Tacoma, Washington and from Boise, Idaho. There were impressive displays of traditional Irish and Scottish Highland dancing. There was a "bonnie knees" competition for the men and a "frying pan throwing" competition for the women.

Next Year Will be the 15th Annual Games

Next year's Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering will be the 15th year of the games, and they already have some big things planned. This year, the weather wasn't too bad, Saturday was warm with some smoky skies, and Sunday the events wrapped up right before the rain started to fall.

The Bitterroot Celtic Gather Vendors Are Some of the Best

The vendors always bring the goods to this event. You can get everything from armory, to hand knit sweaters, from homemade shortbread to the number one soft drink in Scotland for over a century, Irn-Bru. They had musical instruments, clothing, and souvenirs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and more. Vendors come from all over the Northwest for this Montana event.

The Gathering of the Clans

The clans also travel from all over the United States to connect with others of the same heritage. Next year the featured clan will be Clan Ogilvy. The clans provide information and help educate people about there they come from. There were also booths that can help you trace your Celtic heritage.

The 2024 Game Dates are Scheduled

The dates for the next gathering have already been set for August 17th and 18th 2024. Plan on making the trip to Hamilton, Montana for another weekend of Celtic celebration, and remember to support your local pipe band.