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The Caledonian Club of San Francisco was founded in 1866, a year after the end of the Civil War. The Club's first Scottish Games was held at Hayes Park on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1866. The event was planned in five days, yet nonetheless featured many of the traditional heavy events we still see today, as well as athletic challenges and fun events such as the blindfolded wheelbarrow race.
This painting is of the 1868 Games in Sausalito, with 4,000 people in attendance! This is the first year dancing was held at the Games.
From 1950-1954, and 1956-1961 the Games were held in Petaluma.
From 1962 to 1997, the Games were held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.
1962 also marks the first year the Western United States Open Championship was held.
The Games moved to their current home at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in 1998.
Dancing competitions took place in the amphitheatre until 2021, save one year (2004?).
A virtual weekend of workshops was held to continue to tradition, despite not being able to be present together.
We were able to bring together instructors and participants from all over the world, including former judges and champions.
Since returning in 2021, the Highland dancing competition has been located around the fairgrounds, settling into its current home in building R in 2025.
2023. Set up help from the Operations Team.
2023's 23 & Over Scottish National Dance Premiership dancers.
2023 CCSF Chief's Highland Laddie Challenge Finalists competing on the main stage during Massed Bands.
2021 - Finalists from the CCSF Chief's Highland Laddie Challege sign Auld Lange Syne on the stage at Massed Bands with the Chief.
A friendship bracelet swap held during the 2024 Games.