The 2013 Games will be September 15, 2013

Yessiree!  We finally settled on a date for the 2013 RJM Highland Games!  So mark your calendars for September 15, 2013.  Yes, that is a Saturday and so our Schedule of Events will be a little bit different this year.  The Scottish Breakfast will begin at 10:00am.  Bring your favorite contribution--breakfast casserole, fruit, pastries, etc--and we'll all share the wealth and spend some time visiting.  The Wee Highlanders Games will start at Noon, so bring the kiddies for plenty of fun and Kodak moments!  We'll start the Official Games at 2pm with the Heavy Events first and the FootRace to wrap up the day before we crown this year's winner (just like the Olympics, right?  We'll maybe even play the National Anthem!)  Then to put the icing on the cake, we'll have a bonfire and weenie roast to feed the mighty warriors before they make their way home.  Whatever you bring to share, we'll eat it!  And we'll roll out the entries in the Baking Contest for dessert--same categories as in the past--Cake, Pie or Cookies--but only one entry per person this year, please! So pack up your picnic baskets and your lawn chairs and head on out to Windy Hills Farm for the Annual RJM Memorial Highland Games--it will be a day worth waiting for!

2012 Games Update

Hello out there to all our followers!  You are hopefully saying "Hey!  What happened to the Highland Games this year?"  Well, we haven't forgotten to have them, but we did decide that it is TOO STINKIN' HOT to have Highland Games in July.  So we are planning them for some time in September.  Stay tuned for an official date and an official invitation to the 2012 RJM Highland Games in the near future!

Winning Pie Recipe

For anyone who loves the taste of a great Apple Pie, here is the link to the recipe that Erin Griebahn used to win the Pie Contest this year:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/grandma-oples-apple-pie/detail.aspx

Scenes from the 2011 Games

We started out the weekend with the traditional bonfire--thanks Josh! You should have been an Eagle Scout!

Lots of friends and fun to start the weekend and plenty of brave nature lovers camped out.

What a great time for being a Highlander!

The Stone Throw Competition

The Caber Toss and wearing a kilt makes for a great show!

The Contestants in the 2011 Games

And the Winners Are.....

The final results of the 2011 RJM Memorial Highland Games are in and the winners are:
The Men's Heavy Events
The Stone Throw--Zach Griebahn at 28' 6-1/4"
The Caber Toss--Josh Griebahn with only 15 minutes in 3 throws
The Stone Carry for Speed--Josh Griebahn in 17.45 seconds
The Stone Carry for Distance--Josh Griebahn for 1605 feet
The Sheaf Toss--Greg Smith with a clear of 19 feet
The Foot Race--Dave Chisholm
All Around Champion--Dave Chisholm
The Ladies
The Sheaf Toss--Erin Joseph
The Foot Race--Havilah Swanson
Best Cake--Erin Joseph
Best Pie--Erin Griebahn
Best Cookies--Connie Madden
The Youth Foot Race
Alexis Cummins

It was another fabulous year, made even more fun by all of the authentic Scottish wear: men in kilts just make my heart go pitter-patter! Special thanks to Jake Joseph for judging the Men's Events tirelessly while working out himself. Also thanks to everyone who made the Scottish breakfast the fabulous feast that we all come back for year after year. And I want to thank everyone for coming and making this the highlight of the summer--can't wait to see you all back next year.

Reminders and Rules

As we approach the day of the Games, I just want to remind everyone to look back through the blogs for previous years to get extra information about what is happening on July 10. A few reminders:

1. This is a great day for fun for everyone, but safety always comes first. Small children should be kept off the heavy events field. Participants in the heavy events need to exercise good sense and be careful to not overestimate their abilities. The Master of the Games has the final say if a participant could injure himself. Bring sunscreen and bug spray if you think you may need it. Drink plenty of fluids so we don't have any "heat extortion."

2. The rules for the Heavy Events and the Baking Contest are listed in previous blogs, but as a reminder, all the entries that are edible should be made from scratch (no box mixes may be used) and they should not contain any hydrogenated oils (no margarine or crisco-type products).

3. Weather. If it rains, the Games will go on! As long as there is no lightning or tornado warning, we will gather and have Breakfast and a good day of fun!

4. Feel free to invite new Scottish wannabes--we can always use new spectators and more contestants!

See you all real soon!

The Ladies Main Event

Back this year by popular demand is the Cookie, Pie and Cake Baking Contest. Ladies, bring on your finest or your favorite treats and we will have a the judging during the Caber Toss. Bring a dozen of your finest cookies, your fabulous pie, or your fantastic cake. Or bring all three! Each category is judged separately and the this year will will have judging just like on Dancing with the Stars. We will have 3 judges who will vote based on appearance, flavor and originality, as well as the consumer voting by those who want to sample the entries. The winners will be determined 50 percent by the judges and 50 percent by the fans. So bring it on, Gals! Everyone is counting on you!

New Fun Things at this Year's Games

So there will be some new things happening at the Games this year. The first is that the Master of the Games has announced a new Heavy Event--the Stone Carry. Let's just say that this isn't your egg-on-the-spoon kind of relay race. Seems there's this GIANT rock and the contestants have to carry it from the starting line to the distance marker and then back to the finish line, with the winner being the person who can haul this thing the furthest. The weight is, as of today, undetermined, but the Rock will be heavy--thus, a new "heavy" event. Be sure to come out and see this great new competition.
You may also have seen that we are encouraging Highland dress this year. Contestants in the heavy events will get an extra "bonus" point (which could be a tie-breaker!) if they participate wearing a kilt. That's right, Ladies and Gentlemen, a kilt. Doesn't have to be a tartan kilt (please see utilikilt.com if you think a kilt has to be plaid) but definitely has to be a, how shall we say this?, a garment without legs. Not to be confused with a "skirt". That is a ladies' garment. A kilt was a men's garment that was originally just a really long piece of the clan tartan (so you knew who you were killing when he came to plunder your castle) that was laid out in pleats and then the lad would lay down on it, roll himself up and put on a belt to hold it all together. If he had some extra, he threw it over his shoulder or his head if it was raining or if he needed camouflage while he was stealing the neighbors cows ("kine" for those of you who are slightly interested in some Gaelic words to throw out when you are at the Games. You may look over our fence and say "Hey, Lynn, what kind of kine has old John got out there in yon pasture this year?" Yeah. Kine means cow.) So bring your kilt and we promise not to ask what you're wearing underneath it.
And for the rest of you Scottish wannabes, we are also encouraging anyone else who wants to wear any thing that looks like it could have stepped out of the Highlands, to feel free to use this as an excuse for a summer-fair, dress-up-day. So break out your creative juices, or as always, just come and watch the fun! Only 16 more days!

2011 Schedule of Events

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Time to get excited about the 2011 Games! So while we are talking about time, here is this year's schedule of events:

Saturday, July 9, 2011
4:30pm Camping Available (for those who are on a first name basis with nature!) Bring your tent or your RV and we will send the little kids out to sleep with you!
7:00pm Potluck supper and Weenie Roast. Bring a dish to share and we'll start a fire that will singe off your eyebrows! Our own personal version of the "Calling of the Clans"!

Sunday, July 10, 2011
9:00am Praise and Prayer time. Join us for hymns and prayer to worship our Creator and Saviour.
10:00 Scottish Breakfast for Everyone! Some may consider this the Heavy Event of the Day, but we just call it home cookin'! We'll provide the basics, if you will bring a dish to sweeten the morning. It helps if you let us know who's coming. You can call us at 319-621-6605, send a text or email brenda@writeitdown.org
11:00am Registration and Rules for Heavy Events
11:30am Wee Highlander Games All the Little Ones get to join in the fun! New Games and some old ones too!
11:45am Heavy Events Begin Grab your lawn chair and settle in for the excitement of watching these feats of strength.
2:00pm Pie, Cake and Cookie Bake Contest Ladies, start your ovens! Watch for complete information in the days to come.
3:00pm Awards Ceremony

71 Days to the 2011 Highland Games!!

Welcome to the 2011 RJM Highland Games! In just 70 short days (for those of you who may be training!) we will gather at the Farm to celebrate the spirit of Bob Madden and the Highland Games we are coming to see as a Summer Ritual. The day of the games is set for JULY 10, 2011. The official schedule of events will be available in the next few weeks, but we always have these things on the schedule: Lots of FUN, FOOD and FABULOUS COMPETITION! We hope you can join us this year!

Tasty Recipe!

Here is a great recipe from Karen Cummins:

Baked Apple Pancake

2 Granny Smith Apples, sliced thin
1/4 c. butter (or more)
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. Cinnamon
Mix cinnamon and sugar, shake apples in mixture. Melt butter in oven-proof cast iron pan and saute apples.

Pancake:
1 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. salt
1 T. baking powder
4 eggs
1 c. milk

Blend well; pour batter over apples in pan.. Bake until done about 25 minutes at 425 degrees. Turn pan upside down on serving platter , so apples end up on top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Recipe Exchange is Open for Business!

So if you are interested in tasting the flavors of the Games again--request a recipe or submit one to me at brenda@writeitdown.org. I'll try to get them posted as we go. Here's the first request:

Cucumber Salad

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 small cucumbers

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

Combine sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper flakes for the dresing in a bowl; set aside.

Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Discard seeds. Slice cucumber halves into thin slices to make a yield of 2 - 2-1/2 cups. Toss with onion slices and dressing until well coated. Chill salad until ready to serve. Can be prepared up to an hour ahead.

Brenda's notes: (This is what I add to a recipe since the kids all say I change stuff and don't advise). I don't de-seed my cucumbers, but I do buy either English cucumbers or use small (one to one and a half inch diameter) cukes so the seeds aren't so wet. I usually don't cut them in half. I make it in advance and it keeps well, I think, up to 2 or 3 days. I have even added new cukes to the brine the next day to stretch, but the flavor diminishes. I have only used the red onions once, but that may have been the day you ate it :-). I usually slice the cucumbers in my food processor so they are really thin, but some people like them a little thicker. This reminds me of the cucumber salad my mom made when I was a kid--my dad ate it up, but as kids we turned up our noses. I love the Asian flavor--reminds me of a seaweed salad at a Sushi restaurant.

Hope you like it--the recipe came from Cuisine at Home, a cooking magazine.

The 2011 Robert James Madden Highland Games

Mark your calendars--the 2011 Games are set for July 10, 2011. Become a follower on this Blog to keep up to date on the news as we get closer to the big day next year, or send your email address to brenda@writeitdown.org to get the latest news on the Games. If you would like to receive a postcard with the official schedule next year, send your information to Brenda Griebahn, 3590 Utah Ave NE, Iowa City, IA 52240. See you all then!

Closing Notes for the 2010 Games--What a Great Day!

The 2010 Robert James Madden Highland Games are now at an end. What a great turn-out and we had lots of new fun, in addition to the great competition in the Heavy Events. Thank you to everyone who came and made it a great day:

All the Great Competitors

All the Ladies who entered the Baking Contest

All the people who brought food to share for the Breakfast--the best ever!

The Men who helped set up the Heavy Events field

Jake Joseph for being the Official Scorekeeper and Caber Judge

Everyone who helped clean-up

Everyone who helped with the Wee Bairns and Knee-Hi Highlander Games


The Winners of the 2010 Games are:

The Stone Throw Greg Smith

The Caber Toss Dave Chisholm

The Ladies' Sheaf Toss Erin Joseph

The Men's Sheaf Toss Greg Smith

The Youth Foot Race Hannah Swanson

The Ladies' Foot Race Erin Joseph

The Men's Footrace Dave Chisholm


Men's All-Around Champion Greg Smith

Well done!!

What about Rain?

Oh yeah, in case it rains--The Fun Still Happens! We may switch some things around a bit- but we will still have Church, Breakfast and then do whatever we can. Kind of like Football--we just watch out if there is a threat of lightening and then stay inside until it passes.

48 Hours to Games!!

Well, Loyal Clansmen, The Games are almost here. Just one more post before the 2010 RJM Highland Games will commence and then we can talk about what FUN it was!

For those who will be here early, we will be having a short worship service at 9:00am, with songs and prayer. Bob Madden is in heaven with His Savior Jesus now, and we want to spend a short time together worshiping the God of the Universe, as we enjoy the company of our family and friends and spend the day enjoying His beautiful and awesome creation of earth and sky.

I also want to remind everyone that we want to have a fun and SAFE day. We are having a gathering of friends and family, and this is our home-- it is not a public venue. Please remember to be careful when you are walking around the Farm. There are holes and low spots and wild beasts, like biting bugs and spiders, and we have seen 4 legged creatures of an odorous kind wandering around since we have corn in the field this year. Please watch out for small children, as well as large adults, when we are camping and singing around the bonfire, because fire can be dangerous. If you are competing in the Heavy Events, please use Good Sense to protect yourself from injury and over-exertion. It is July at the Farm, so expect to be hot if you don't sit in the shade and keep hydrated. Wear sun-screen. If there are signs up with directions, please read them for parking and camping locations.

I get really excited about our Highland Games and I personally want everyone who comes to have a great time. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you. Mòran taing!

Heavy Event Rules

The Stone Throw Similar to our modern day shot put, the men will see who can toss a 20 lb. stone the farthest. The field is marked with paint and the stone is measured where it lands, not where it may roll. The stone is held with one hand with the stone resting cradled in the neck until the moment of release. Each participant will have three tries, including fouls, with all contestants rotating through the line-up three separate times. A spinning or glide technique may be used, but the throw line may not be crossed at anytime during or after the throw. Crossing the line will result in a fault for that throw and the throw will be a foul.

The Caber Toss The Caber is stood upright and hoisted by the competitor, who balances it vertically holding the smaller end in his hands. (Contestants must be able to lift the caber from the ground unassisted in order to compete for safety reasons.) Then the competitor runs forward attempting to toss the caber in such a way that it turns end over end with the upper (larger) end striking the ground first. The smaller end that was originally held by the athlete then hits the ground in the 12 o'clock position measured relative to the direction of the run. If successful, the athlete is said to have turned the caber. Competitors are judged on how closely their throws approximate the ideal 12 o'clock toss on an imaginary clock. See the following link for Caber Toss video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZOeHoyNd6c
Or for complete instructions try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0z_0jqqZdw&feature=related

The Sheaf Toss-Ladies' and Mens' A burlap bag stuffed with a bundle of straw weighing approximately 16 lbs for men and 10 lbs for ladies is tossed vertically with a pitchfork over a raised bar much like that used in pole-vaulting. Each person is allowed three tries at each height, with contestants who fail to cross the bar without displacing it being eliminated at each progressive height.

The Foot Race Our own special version of the King's Race to choose the fastest runner for sending messages. The race begins at the bottom of the hill, with contestants lining up at the No Parking sign. The course follows up the driveway through the designated markers in the backyard, approximately 700 feet from start to finish. Three divisions this year: Youth, age 10-16; Ladies; and Men.

2009 Winners

The Stone Throw Wes McCorkle 30 feet 1/2 inch
The Caber Toss Josh Griebahn 15 minutes off in 3 turns
The Ladies Sheaf Toss Sarah Griebahn 12 feet
The Mens' Sheaf Toss Zach Griebahn 16 feet
Ladies' Foot Race Julieta Vahanian
Mens' Foot Race Dave Chisholm

All Around Champion Josh Griebahn

Scenes from the 2009 Games

Here are some scenes from last year's games:

The Winning Technique

The Stone Throw Competition

Breakfast is a great time to meet and greet old friends and make some new ones.

The Scottish Breakfast

Oh, we do love to eat! Breakfast will be served at 10:00 on the day of the Games, June 18, 2010. We'll have a hearty meal provided, in addition to the goodies and great tasting food that people bring to share. Look for breakfast meats and pastries, fruit and juices, coffee, tea and some Baked Scottish Oatmeal! Bring your lawn chairs and plan to stay for the day and watch all the competitions from a shady spot, even if you don't plan on participating.

Location, Location, Location!

The Games are held each year at Windy Hills Farm, 3590 Utah Ave NE Iowa City, Iowa 52240. Directions: Take Interstate 80 from anywhere to Iowa Exit 249. Utah Ave is located 100 yards from the westbound exit ramp (turn right) or 250 yards from the eastbound exit ramp (turn left). We are the first driveway on the right, up the hill.

There will be camping available for those who like that sort of thing beginning at 4:30pm on Saturday. We will also have a potluck around the bonfire on Saturday night at 7pm. Bring something to share and we'll have good time "warming up" for the Games!