Dave and I attended the annual Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival over the weekend. The weather was perfect, although quite warm.

As Dave works at the Maine Ulster-Scots and Clan Information table/tent, I usually wander around by myself and take in all the sights, smells, and sounds.

This year was a new location and the games also hosted the David Webster Heavy Athletics Men’s World Championships, where professionals from around the world competed in Highland throws for the honor of going home with a large silver cup trophy that has the names of previous champions engraved at its base. Their displays of strength and stamina were on full display, despite standing in the hot sun for hours at a time.

Highland cows (or coos), sheepdogs, highland collies, and Scottish wolfhounds were a huge draw for many, including myself. The sheepdog puppies and the wee cows were a favorite.

This year I tried fried Oreo cookies for the first time. I don’t know what I was expecting, but they weren’t quite what I had in mind. For some reason I thought they’d be gooey inside. They were good, just not as splashy as I thought they’d be. Not sure I’d spend the money again.

I didn’t have any fish & chips because I’ve been disappointed with them the last couple of years, but Dave and I both had meat pies and bridies which were really delicious!

Then I had to make my usual purchase at To The Queen’s Taste for scones and other goodies. They are known for their massive strawberry shortcakes, but I picked up a lemon-ginger scone and a maple-walnut scone. Thankfully, they didn’t melt in the car and I was able to enjoy them the next day with some Lapsang souchong tea in my Tain Pottery teapot and mug from Scotland.

The Lemon Ginger scone was first up and it was terrific with large chunks of ginger and a not-too-sweet lemon drizzle coating. The sweetness was offset by the rich, smokey strength of the Lapsang souchong tea.