This year, the Games promise to be the largest ever, showcasing over 175 vendors, more than 200 athletes, renowned tastings, live Celtic tunes, and an appearance by a distinguished guest—Honorary Chieftain Graham McTavish, famed for his roles in Outlander, The Hobbit, and Men in Kilts.

We are excited to announce that the one and only Graham McTavish will be joining us as Honorary Chieftain for 2025! He’ll launch the Games at the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday at 10 a.m. and lead exclusive tastings of McTavish Spirits throughout the weekend. This is a unique chance to sip a dram with Graham, listen to his captivating tales, and create lasting memories with one of Scotland’s most revered figures.

This is the part that may be enough to make me brave the crowds down in Palmer:

Our Whisky & Mead Tastings feature selections from McTavish Spirits, Glendronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, and Beard Brothers Mead. The tastings are for those aged 21 and over and require tickets—reserve soon, as they are selling fast!

Well, now, that’s a temptation indeed, one enough to bring the hardiest bristle-pated knock-kneed Highlander down from the moors to sample a wee dram or two. Speaking of the Highlanders, most sportsball types are happy tossing a ball around, and more power to them. But Scotsmen throw freaking telephone poles.

That’s a big part of my ancestry, folks. These are the people that the Romans, after conquering most of Europe, ran across, went “Oh for the love of Jupiter and Mars, no!” And then they built a big, big wall.

Walls worked then, and they work now, as it happens.

Alaska Man score: 5 servings of moose haggis. Changing it up for the Games.

Also – it’s ATV season. I’ve had both of mine out, so far, just for short rides in our area. Lots of folks have them up here, and, sadly, lots of folks don’t exercise the proper cautions.

Rounding a sharp corner on Fairview Loop Road in Wasilla, I watched in horror as a 4-wheeler shot across the road and got t-boned by a full-sized pickup truck. I slammed on my brakes and jumped out to try and provide aid.

he victims were two young girls about 12-years-old. One of the girls ran around in a circle screaming while the other girl lay motionless on the roadway. The driver of the pickup raced to check on the unconscious girl saying over and over, “I didn’t see them, I can’t believe it, I just didn’t see them until I hit them.”

I understood completely. The girls had come shooting out from the bushes just as the truck rounded the corner and slammed into them. He had no warning. No time to stop.

This kind of thing seems to happen all too often. And, I would point out, 12 is a tad young to be jetting around on an ATV with no supervision. We see plenty of folks on the trails, especially those alongside the Parks Highway, and most are showing plenty of caution: Helmets, adult supervision, and moving at a responsible pace. But it only takes a moment’s carelessness to cause something bad.

No score on this one. Just be careful, people.

Now, how about those Alaska summer birds?