Central Florida Scottish Highland Games - Winter Springs, FL

Each January the local Scottish community comes together and throws the annual Scottish Highland Games in Winter Springs.  I have seen these competitions on t.v. before and was really interested in checking it out.  The events were both Saturday and Sunday, and we ventured out that Sunday to see what it was all about.  The price was $10/per adult and $5/children.  I thought that was pretty steep for a festival but if you bought the two day tickets the prices were cheaper.  We bought a booklet that showed us the map and the scheduled events for the day.

We wondered around for awhile checking out the different areas.

First thing we did was check out the clan areas.  It was where the clans set up canopy's and explained out their heritage.  Many of the booths showed names that would have been part of their clan, so you can see which one you would belong to.  

During our tour through the clans we heard that one of the events was going to be happening so we headed over to the athletics field area.  

Here they were starting the Sheaf Toss - this is where an athlete uses a three-tined pitchfork, and tries to hurl a 16 pound burlap bag stuffed with straw over a horizontal bar raised high in the air.  Each competitor is given three opportunities to clear the bar.  After all the attempts are made, the bar is raised in one foot increments and goes until there is one winner.

After the competition was over we decided to check out the archery area.  They had archery set up for adults to do, a ballista and even archery for the kids.  

the ballista

After meandering around watching the people shoot we decided to walk back over to the other side and check out the sheep herding and the bands.  While on our way there they had a few people reliving the olden days to show how they lived and made their weapons.

Anyone interested in learning how to fence?  they will even let you gear up and try for yourself

I wasn't able to photograph the sheep herding as the crowds were rather large.  This was by far one of the most interesting of the events.  The handler was able to direct the dog herding the sheep only using hand singles and whistles.  It was truly incredible.

There were many bands that played during the day - everything from classic Celtic music to Irish rock.  The following band had a blast up on the stage.  The one guy played the bag pipes like no one I have ever seen.  They used a lot of whistles, flutes, mandolins and other instruments as well.

While we walked around checking out the numerous kilts and Scottish memorabilia area we noticed a large group of people in the corner.  Upon further investigation we found the axe throwing booth.  Watching the masses was pretty funny as only 3 of the 50 we watched was able to hit the target.

The loudspeaker announced that there was a tie between the Men's North and South teams and that a playoff was going to be necessary.  We wondered back over to the athletic fields to see what the tie-breaker game would be.

They choose the Clachneart or "Stone of Strength" game.  This event is very similar to shot put but they use a 16 lb rock instead of a steel ball.  The stone must be shot from the front of the shoulder using only one hand.  They are then judged by the longest throw.  The guy that won threw the rock 52 ft (no bounces are included)

Towards the end of the day they brought out the Deland Scottish marching band to play.  They are the only Scottish marching band in the Central Florida area.

and of course no day is complete without taking a picture with a man in a kilt.

FYI - they brew their own beer and it's DELICIOUS!!!! - make sure you bring money though - it was $5/beer or $25/pitcher

Want to check it out next year - you can find out about upcoming events, directions, more information - http://www.flascot.com/

Zellwood Corn Maze - Long & Scott's Farm - Zellwood, FL

This past weekend we got a bunch of our relatives together and decided to go check out the Zellwood Corn Maze.  The kids, Duane and I had gone previously but when we showed up the first time there were about 200 people in line just to buy tickets.  This time we were smart and purchased our tickets online and were through the line and in the place in less than 10 minutes (the line to buy tickets was still pretty long).  Upon entering you have to watch a short maze video that explains about the maze and the different interactive areas that they have set up throughout.  After watching the video we were released out into the area.  They had ziplining for the kids under 100lbs, a 60 ft slide, playground area for toddlers and different areas to keep smaller kids entertained.  There were food vendors around (they only take cash and there is no ATM on the property) and the burgers were awesome!!! 

Slowly we made our way towards the large corn maze.  They give you a flag before you walk in so that if you get lost and need to be rescued you just hold up the flag and they will either talk you out or send in a rescue team to find you.  The corn maze is over 6 acres and can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to complete. 

At different areas around the corn maze they have interactive stations.  Some of them are informational and give you key words to fill out the puzzle page that was given to you in the video area while others are pictures for you to rub onto your page.  The kids had a blast with this, especially the smaller ones.  It was like Christmas everytime they found a new area.  We were there about an two hours and had a very good time.

As you can see the corn is rather tall so trying to peer over to the other side is pretty difficult.  As you can see in the picture they have different colored ribbon tied to the stalks.  This showed you what area of the maze you were currently in and also made a barrier so that people couldn't walk through the stalks to the different areas.

One of the previous years layout

The corn maze is only open from the beginning of October to the end of November each year.  Tuesday through Fridays are by appointment only for large groups.  Saturdays they are open 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.  They also offersmaller corn mazes for kids, a tree maze and hayrides for an additional fee.  Check out their website for this year or put it on your calendar to check out next year.  Believe me no matter the age a fun time will be had by all.  It was AMAZING!!! lol.

PS.  Watch out for all the CORNY jokes that you will hear.

Children's Miracle Network Classic Golf Tournament - Lake Buena Vista, FL

This past weekend Duane wanted to go to the Children's Miracle Network Classic PGA Golf Tournament that was being held at the Magnolia and Palm Courses at Disney.  Since he doesn't ask to do much I said sure sounds like fun.  We went on their website and found out that tickets were only $13/per person and that they were having a Wine and Walk on the back 9 holes of the golf course.  We were instructed to park at the Magic Kingdom and that they would shuttle us to the golf courses.  We were able to get right in and park and sure enough they had shuttle buses waiting to take us over.  They instructed you at the parking area, no cell phones or cameras allowed.  The bus dropped us off right in front of Will Call.  They were extremely organized and it took us maybe 5 minutes to grab out tickets and be on our way.  They also had a place that you could check bags, cameras, cell phones or any of the other items that were not allowed in.  Upon entering the area the excitement of the tournament was crystal clear and a buzz flowed through the crowd.  The beginning of the week they held the pratice rounds and the Pro am, but Sat and Sun were all about collecting that last big paycheck for the PGA golfers.  It was incredible how close we were able to get to the golfers on the holes.  At one point they were less than 3 ft away from the ropes.  Duane and I walked the entire back 9 focusing on different groups rather than just following one particular group enjoying the gourmet food and beverages along the way.  Towards the end of the day I saw a lot of golfers leaving the 9th hole and signing autographs and so of course I had to go and get some.  I ended up with a total of 9 autographs from some pretty notable golfers - Davis Love III, Rickie Fowler, Chris DiMarco, Spencer Levin as well as some others.  Overall it was a great time and I can't wait to go back next November.  I think we may even do another day or so.

Ticket and autographs from the day

Monster Jam - Citrus Bowl - Orlando, FL

This year a group of people I work with all got together and we to the Monster Jam at the Citrus Bowl.  We had an absolute blast.  I am not one that is really into Monster trucks so I wasn't sure how much fun it was going to be, but I will now go everytime they are in town and Cody absolutely loved it.  Before it was even over he was asking if we could come again.  Twice each year the Monster Jam comes to the Orlando area as well as Tampa.  If you have the opportunity to go I suggest you do.  The tickets are extremely reasonable and the amount of fun that you will have is so worth the expense.  Below are some pics from that event.

ICE! - Gaylord Palms - Kissimmee, FL

I have heard about ICE! at the Gaylord Palms since moving to Florida the first time in 94 and have never gone.  Duane's sister mentioned that we received discounted tickets through work so I figured it was finally time to go.  For those of you that do not know, ICE is an indoor ice wonderland that is at the Gaylord Palms from November to January.  There is over 2 million pounds of ice and is a chilly 9 degrees below 0.  No winter coat, no worries they will provide a large parka for you to use while you walk through the attraction.  Below are some pics that I took while we were there.  If you have never been I would suggest going at least once because it is extremely beautiful inside.