JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The competitions of the CelticFest Mississippi Highland Games may have simple names, such as weight over bar, but they are anything but easy.
"In Scotland they use a unit of measure to measure weight as a stone. One stone, 14 pounds. Well, the weights that we're throwing for distance and for height are derivatives there of. You know, one stone weight, two stone weight and so on. So, 14, 28, 42, 56," says Highland Games Judge Jayson Tisdale.
A number of the competitors attend several events a year. The men in kilts look tough but so are the ladies.
"It's just like the men's only, you know we use a little bit lighter weight, but you know we do the same distances just with lighter weights," says competitor and Vicksburg native Natalie Kuchman.
While it each person lifts and throws to win, the competition isn't as stressful.
"The guys are, are trying to help each other in between each and every throw, because we don't want to beat you on a bad day. We want to beat you on your best day," explains Tisdale.
"You don't really have to worry about, you know I have to beat this certain person. I have to do this. You know, everybody is just kind of having fun and competing as opposed to like when I do power lifting...I'm worried about getting a number and getting this and that," said Kuchman.
Nearly 8,000 people are expected to attend the 21st annual event this weekend.
Kilts are popular attire at the event but nevermind the clothing of choice for some; fencing, singing, and dancing are the real big draws for the crowd.
"I've taken lessons many times and I know my three's and seven's, but I can't...the reels and the particular steps. It's very, very difficult," CelticFest staffer Dianne Stefanick.
With the addition of storytelling and other events CelticFest has grown each of its 21 years.
"It's contagious," added Stefanick.
CelticFest Mississippi will end Sunday afternoon. For more information on times, location, and costs click on http://celticfestms.org/
Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
