Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival Presents
The Prairie
Games
✦ ✦ ✦
St. Mary's, Kansas
June 13, 2026
An Inaugural Highland Games Celebration on the Kansas Prairie
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From the Highlands to the Heartland
The Highland Games are one of Scotland's oldest and most beloved traditions, tracing their roots back more than a thousand years. Originally held as military tests of strength and skill - gathering clan warriors to demonstrate feats of power through stone throwing, hammer hurling, and the iconic caber toss - the Games evolved into a celebration of community, heritage, and the indomitable Scottish spirit. By the 19th century, they had become the festive gatherings we recognize today: a blend of athletic competition, music, dance, and cultural pride. Today, the Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival is proud to bring that tradition to the rolling tallgrass prairies of Kansas with our inaugural Prairie Games. We've lovingly adapted the classical Highland format for our community - honoring the athletic and cultural heart of the original Games while making them welcoming to competitors and spectators of all ages. From a sunrise 5K through the Kansas countryside to the thunderous crash of the caber, we invite you to be part of this new tradition taking root on the prairie. The Prairie Games is more than a competition - it's a labor of love for our community and the grounds that make it possible. All proceeds will be reinvested directly into the Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival Grounds, affectionately known as Sir Williams Hollow. Our inaugural Games come at an exciting but pressing time for the Hollow: we're working to build a new bridge and expand the grounds to welcome the growing number of patrons who join us each fall for our Shakespeare Festival. Every ticket purchased and every registration fee paid brings us closer to a venue worthy of both the plays and the Games we hope to make an annual tradition here on the Kansas prairie. |
At a Glance
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Schedule
THE SCOTTISH 5K - EARLY MORNING
5:30 am - Gates open for 5K participants
5:45 - 6:45 am - 5K runner sign-in
7:00 - 8:00 am - The Scottish 5K, self-timed trail run
8:00 - 8:30 am - Medal distribution & recovery
HIGHLAND GAMES - MAIN COMPETITION
8:30 am - Highland Games gates open
8:30 - 9:45 am - Athlete registration
9:45 - 10:00 am - Opening pipes ceremony
10:00 - 11:00 am - Stone Toss
11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Heavy Hammer Throw
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Children's Caber Toss · Lunch hour
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Caber Toss
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Weight for Height
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Sheaf Toss
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Tug o' War finals
5:00 pm - Medal distribution & awards ceremony
5:30 pm - Closing pipes
6:30 pm - Gates close
5:30 am - Gates open for 5K participants
5:45 - 6:45 am - 5K runner sign-in
7:00 - 8:00 am - The Scottish 5K, self-timed trail run
8:00 - 8:30 am - Medal distribution & recovery
HIGHLAND GAMES - MAIN COMPETITION
8:30 am - Highland Games gates open
8:30 - 9:45 am - Athlete registration
9:45 - 10:00 am - Opening pipes ceremony
10:00 - 11:00 am - Stone Toss
11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Heavy Hammer Throw
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Children's Caber Toss · Lunch hour
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Caber Toss
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Weight for Height
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Sheaf Toss
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Tug o' War finals
5:00 pm - Medal distribution & awards ceremony
5:30 pm - Closing pipes
6:30 pm - Gates close
Spectators Welcome
This event is open to the public - come cheer on the athletes, soak in the pipes, and enjoy a day on the Kansas prairie. Whether you're there to watch a family member compete or just curious what a caber toss looks like up close, all are welcome.
Admission
General Admission (per person) - $5 Family - $10 (available at the gate only)
Individual tickets are available online in advance. The family rate is available at the gate only - no pre-purchase required.
What to Bring & Expect
Admission
General Admission (per person) - $5 Family - $10 (available at the gate only)
Individual tickets are available online in advance. The family rate is available at the gate only - no pre-purchase required.
What to Bring & Expect
- Bring your own seating. There is no fixed grandstand - blankets, folding chairs, and camp chairs are all welcome.
- Food & vendors. A selection of vendor booths will be on-site with food and goods for sale. More details to follow as we get closer to the event.
- Free to roam. Spectators are welcome to move freely around the field to get close to the action.
- All day fun. Gates are open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm for the Highland Games. Come for the whole day or drop in for your favorite event.
- Code of Conduct. Spectators are expected to abide by the same code of conduct as the athletes. failure to do so will result in ejection from the grounds by event security.
The Events
Each event is rooted in centuries of Highland tradition. Competitors may enter as few or as many events as they wish - your registration fee covers them all. Unless noted, all events are open to Adult (18+) and Junior (15–17) divisions, separated by gender.
The Scottish 5K
A self-timed trail run through the scenic Kansas countryside, kicking off the day at dawn. Runners set their own pace over the course, with results recorded individually. First, second, and third place medals will be awarded to the top male and top female finishers, along with additional age group awards.
Age group brackets will be determined based on the registered field and announced after registration closes on May 15th - ensuring every bracket is competitive and meaningful.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Stone Toss
One of the oldest events in Highland competition, the Stone Toss challenges athletes to hurl a large, rounded stone as far as possible from a standing position, much like a shot put. Competitors must use the Braemar style depending on the event format. Distance is measured from the throwing line to the nearest mark made by the stone.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Heavy Hammer Throw
The Heavy Hammer is a metal ball affixed to a wooden or cane handle, swung overhead and released to achieve maximum distance. Athletes stand with their backs to the field, spin the hammer in wide overhead circles, and release it at the optimal moment. Footwork is crucial - competitors must remain within the throwing box throughout.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Caber Toss
The most iconic of all Highland events, the Caber Toss requires an athlete to hoist a large tapered pole (the "caber") upright, run forward, and toss it end-over-end so that it falls away in a straight line - ideally at the 12 o'clock position relative to the thrower. It is the only Highland event judged on accuracy rather than distance, demanding both strength and precision.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Children's Caber Toss
A specially designed caber scaled down for younger competitors, this event introduces children to the most beloved Highland Games tradition in a safe and exciting format. Young athletes are grouped by age (7–8, 9–10, 10–11, 12–13, and 14–15) to ensure fair competition. Registration for this event is available in person on the day of the Games - no pre-registration is available.
Ages 7–15 · Walk-up Registration Day-of
Weight for Height
In this vertical challenge, athletes toss a heavy weight with one hand up and over a horizontal bar, using a hook attached to the weight. The bar is progressively raised after each round, and competitors are eliminated once they fail three consecutive attempts at a given height. It rewards explosive power and a strong overhead technique.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Sheaf Toss
Using a pitchfork, competitors toss a burlap bag stuffed with straw (the "sheaf") up and over a horizontal bar for height. Like the Weight for Height, the bar is raised in increments throughout the competition. Originating from the agricultural traditions of rural Scotland, the Sheaf Toss is a crowd favorite for its theatrical, sky-reaching throws.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Tug o' War
A team event steeped in Highland tradition, the Tug o' War pits two eight-person teams against each other in a straight test of collective strength and coordination. Teams must pull the opposing side across a center mark to win. At least one team member needs to be registered as team captain (registered participants may build a team of unregistered participants); solo entrants who don't have a team will be placed on one by the organizers.
Teams of 8 · Adult & Junior (mixed) · Men's & Women's Divisions
A self-timed trail run through the scenic Kansas countryside, kicking off the day at dawn. Runners set their own pace over the course, with results recorded individually. First, second, and third place medals will be awarded to the top male and top female finishers, along with additional age group awards.
Age group brackets will be determined based on the registered field and announced after registration closes on May 15th - ensuring every bracket is competitive and meaningful.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Stone Toss
One of the oldest events in Highland competition, the Stone Toss challenges athletes to hurl a large, rounded stone as far as possible from a standing position, much like a shot put. Competitors must use the Braemar style depending on the event format. Distance is measured from the throwing line to the nearest mark made by the stone.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Heavy Hammer Throw
The Heavy Hammer is a metal ball affixed to a wooden or cane handle, swung overhead and released to achieve maximum distance. Athletes stand with their backs to the field, spin the hammer in wide overhead circles, and release it at the optimal moment. Footwork is crucial - competitors must remain within the throwing box throughout.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Caber Toss
The most iconic of all Highland events, the Caber Toss requires an athlete to hoist a large tapered pole (the "caber") upright, run forward, and toss it end-over-end so that it falls away in a straight line - ideally at the 12 o'clock position relative to the thrower. It is the only Highland event judged on accuracy rather than distance, demanding both strength and precision.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Children's Caber Toss
A specially designed caber scaled down for younger competitors, this event introduces children to the most beloved Highland Games tradition in a safe and exciting format. Young athletes are grouped by age (7–8, 9–10, 10–11, 12–13, and 14–15) to ensure fair competition. Registration for this event is available in person on the day of the Games - no pre-registration is available.
Ages 7–15 · Walk-up Registration Day-of
Weight for Height
In this vertical challenge, athletes toss a heavy weight with one hand up and over a horizontal bar, using a hook attached to the weight. The bar is progressively raised after each round, and competitors are eliminated once they fail three consecutive attempts at a given height. It rewards explosive power and a strong overhead technique.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Sheaf Toss
Using a pitchfork, competitors toss a burlap bag stuffed with straw (the "sheaf") up and over a horizontal bar for height. Like the Weight for Height, the bar is raised in increments throughout the competition. Originating from the agricultural traditions of rural Scotland, the Sheaf Toss is a crowd favorite for its theatrical, sky-reaching throws.
Adult & Junior · Men's & Women's Divisions
Tug o' War
A team event steeped in Highland tradition, the Tug o' War pits two eight-person teams against each other in a straight test of collective strength and coordination. Teams must pull the opposing side across a center mark to win. At least one team member needs to be registered as team captain (registered participants may build a team of unregistered participants); solo entrants who don't have a team will be placed on one by the organizers.
Teams of 8 · Adult & Junior (mixed) · Men's & Women's Divisions
Dress Code
The Prairie Games honors the spirit of traditional Highland Games dress. In keeping with that tradition, all competitors in the Highland Games events are required to wear a kilt while competing. We've kept the rules simple and the spirit authentic:
Highland Games Events
The Scottish 5K
Highland Games Events
- A kilt of your choosing is required for all competitors during Highland Games events.
- The provided Prairie Games t-shirt must be worn at all times during competition.
- Shorts or leggings under the kilt are mandatory - this is a family event!
- Any kilt tartan is welcome - clan, regional, or otherwise.
The Scottish 5K
- The kilt requirement does not apply to the 5K run.
- The provided Prairie Games t-shirt is still required.
- Comfortable athletic wear is encouraged for the trail run.
- You're always welcome to run in a kilt if the spirit moves you!
Code of Conduct
The Prairie Games is a family-friendly event, and we hold everyone on the grounds - competitors and spectators alike - to a high standard of conduct. Whether you're throwing the hammer or cheering from a lawn chair, the same expectations apply: taunting, aggressive language, or crude behavior directed at athletes, fellow spectators, judges, or Games staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Competitors who violate this standard will have their scores voided and be eliminated from further events, and may be ejected from the grounds by Games security. Spectators who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior may likewise be asked to leave. All decisions made by the judges are final and binding.
We want the Prairie Games to be a welcoming, spirited celebration for everyone in attendance - help us keep it that way.
Competitors who violate this standard will have their scores voided and be eliminated from further events, and may be ejected from the grounds by Games security. Spectators who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior may likewise be asked to leave. All decisions made by the judges are final and binding.
We want the Prairie Games to be a welcoming, spirited celebration for everyone in attendance - help us keep it that way.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please email them to us at [email protected].
Athlete Registration
Entry Fees
- $50 Adult (18+)
- $25 Junior (15-17)
- $10 Child (7-14) - for Children's Caber Toss day of only
- Registration is open April 1 – May 15, 2026. Online registration is available for Junior (ages 15–17) and Adult (18+) athletes only.
- One fee covers all events. Participate in as few or as many events as you choose - including Tug o' War.
- Adults and Juniors compete in men's and women's divisions.
- Minimum field size. An event will be canceled for a given division if fewer than 5 competitors are registered.
- Children ages 7–14 wishing to participate in the Children's Caber Toss should plan to register in person at the venue on the day of the Games.
- Tug o' War Only teams: if you have a team with members who only want to participate in the Tug o' War, at least one person on the team needs to register (registered participant(s) may build a team of unregistered participants), up to 8 total on each team. If you don't have a team, just put "none" in the team name section and we will place you on a team.
- Athlete instructions will be sent to all registered participants after registration closes on May 15th.
- Family and group discounts are available. Contact [email protected] for more information.