Why are athletes throwing trees that weigh as much as baby hippos in Prosser?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The caber turn has been the Scottish Fest's main attraction since 2001.
- The festival has multiple traditional competitions that both men and women compete in.
- The event includes food, music, dancing and more.
Scottish athletes from around the country prepare for months to throw a tree trunk the weight of a newborn hippo.
An event known as the caber turn has been Prosser’s Scottish Fest and Highland Games its main attraction since the first fest in 2001. The festival has become a major celebration of Scottish heritage with culturally aligned games, competition, food, music and dancing.
The Highland Games are one of the biggest draws for crowds, drawing an average crowd of around 1,200 people.
The games
The games are focused on traditional Scottish competition, including three different throwing events and two tossing events, challenging both men and women to test their strength and accuracy.
The festival’s most popular game, the Caber Turn, challenges athletes to flip a tree trunk as tall as a residential telephone pole end-over-end and have it land straight away from them in a perfect “12 o’clock” position.
Women throw beams standing at 12 feet and 80 pounds, and the men’s stand at 15 feet and 120 pounds. Records of Prosser’s events have been kept since 2005, though the games have roots dating back to the 11th century.
“We get a fair number of athletes each year,” Larelle Michener said. “We have old-timers and people who are still learning.”
Michener is the events coordinator for the Prosser Chamber of Commerce,
The Highland Games remain open for all contestants while simultaneously offering a modified version for children. Three athletes will win awards in each division.
“There will be close to 40 athletics divisions or categories that will each receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards,” Michener said.
The festival is June 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m at Prosser Wine & Food Park, 2880 Lee Road. It’s about 30 minutes outside the Tri-Cities.
Music and activities
Visitors can expect a full day of activities with music from local Scottish groups and individuals, Michener said.
“Our headliner this year (Katie Jane Band) is from Portland,” Michener said. “We try to lean into groups that have traditional music and instruments.”
Katie Jane uses a blend of Scottish, Irish and French Canadian folk music to pair with her own original compositions. She has headlined for Seattle Scottish Highland Games, Pleasanton Highland Games, Ceili at the Roundhouse, Bitterroot Celtic Games and more.
Food and vendors
Attendees can also enjoy Scottish-American cuisine from four food vendors, as well as teas, ciders, coffees, beers and other beverages from drink vendors.
One of the Scottish Fest’s most popular sellers is Granny Fi’s Shortbread.
“Our shortbread vendor comes every year,” Michener said. “She’s pretty popular. Everyone loves her.”
Granny Fi’s is based 209 miles from the event in Aurora, Ore. She makes the 3 1/2-hour drive to the festival each year.
Other tents sell items such as leather goods, jewelry, accessories and more.
This all-day event invites families and those wanting to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture to participate in all it has to offer.
“Most people think they’re just going to pop in for a couple of hours, and they end up staying the whole day,” Michener said.
Tickets are available for purchase online and at the main entrance on the day of the event. Prices start at $12 for adults, $6 for children and seniors and free for children four and under.
Parking for the event is on the south side of Lee Road, directly opposite the festival grounds, and is free to the public.
