What - The second-ever Des Moines highland athletics competition at the Central Iowa Celtic Festival. We'll be doing the contesting all the traditional events.
Where - At Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa. We're throwing in a nice big level field. We walked it the other day. It's just a great throwing field. Smooth and level. No ankle twisting divots (yet). With tons of room
Address - 2600 111th St., Urbandale, IA 50322. Brock says, "Get on I-35 and take exit 125. If you can't find it, pull over and get off the road. You're too dumb to drive."
When - May 10th, 2008 - Sign in at 10AM. Safety meeting at 10:30AM. And, then the throwing begins. The festival will run from 10AM to 6PM.
How To Register - send me an email. brad.boeckmann@gmail.com
Why - Well, for one, because we love to throw. For two, it's going to be a blast. For three, I want to see if we can combine Victorian era butter churning methods with the caber toss. And, four, the field borders one of, if not the busiest road, in the Des Moines Metro area so all the eyes of Central Iowa will be upon you.
Cost to Throw - $20. To confirm your place in athletics, please make a check payable to Central Iowa Celtic Festival (or CICF) and mail it to AAA Awards, 7672 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, Iowa, 50322. When you send your check, drop me an email and I'll coordinate with AAA Awards.
Cost to your Family, Friends - Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Some games you spend a ton to get your family in the gate. The organizers have decided that this year the event will be free-will donation. So, drop some green in the collection wherever that might be. It will help pay for this year and start a fund for next year. Oh - and buy a beer in the beer garden. Part of the beer sales goes to the fund as well.
What else is going on that day - The usual highland games events that keep our loved ones entertained while we're throwing. You may want to check Living History Farms site for information on events they have planned for the day as well.
Hotel Info - The Sleep Inn at Living History Farms has a block of rooms set aside for us. They are 2 bed rooms for $72 plus tax. The ho When you're booking the room mention the group rate number of 3553 or CICF to get the $72 rate. The rooms are all nonsmoking so no fires please. Give them a call - 515-270-2424 or click the link above.
Restaurant Info - The Machine Shed Restaurant is also adjoining Living History Farms. This is a top notch place serving good food with a killer breakfast buffet.