It’s guys in kilts throwing things this weekend in Davenport

There’ll be at least 30 men wearing kilts in eastern Iowa today, but they’re not to be trifled with. They’re taking part in the “Games of Strength” at this year’s Celtic Highland Games in Davenport. Ruth Clayton-Davis says the caber toss is one of the more interesting competitions. She says for the ladies, it’s the thing to watch as a man in a skirt throws a telephone pole.Clayton-Davis says many of the events have roots in centuries past as the brawny men of Ireland and Scotland attacked or defended castles. She says there are a variety of tests of muscle in the so-called “heavy events” at the festival. The one-day festival isn’t just focused on the games of strength. Clayton-Davis says there will also be bagpiping, reinactors from the time of the French/Indian wars, and researchers who are experts in tracking a person’s heritage. The fest started at eight A-M at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport and runs all day. For more information, surf to “www.celtichighlandgames.org”.