The Virginia Scottish Games and Festival began in 1974 as an officially sponsored event of the City of Alexandria, under the auspices of the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C. and the Alexandria Tourist Council. The Games became a fixture in the community and for 32 years were held every July at Episcopal High School. The Games take place at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont countryside, Great Meadow is northern Virginia’s premier outdoor event venue attracting thousands each year to its various field events. The cornerstone of the Games is the highland athletics. The Games have played host to numerous professional and amateur championships in highland athletics. Athletes come from across the country to compete in these feats of strength and skill. The Games continue to host many of the top-ranked professional athletes to include several who have competed in the World Championships. In addition to athletics there are piping & drumming, highland dancing, and fiddling competitions, as well as the ever-popular sheep-herding demonstrations. For the auto enthusiast there will be more than 100 rare and antique cars on display. The festival is rounded out with a variety of vendors and crafters, clan and society exhibits, a living history encampment, a variety of activities just for the children, entertainment on the main stage to include both traditional and modern Celtic music, and plenty of Scottish food and drink.