This year marks the second annual Highland Games hosted by the John Ross District Boy Scouts, but this year's event will be very different - girls will be allowed to participate.
While girls have been participating in the Boy Scouts of America for some time, they have only been recognized as Venturers or Explorers. They were unable to win awards or rise to the rank of Eagle Scout. Earlier this year, the Boy Scouts lifted those laws.
Locally, the change will be kick-started with the games, the largest event the girls have participated in to date.
Cherokee Council's Pack 3062, which meets in Rossville, is the first pack in the area to register girls as Boy Scouts, said publicity chairwoman Shauna Rogers.
"When you are able to put Eagle Scout on a resume, you get a lot more attention, and now girls are going to have that option," she said.
As Cub Scouts range from 5 to 10 years old, the fourth-grade girls in Pack 3062 will be transitioning to Boy Scouts next year. There are 13 girls in the pack who are eligible to register for Boy Scouts, said Rogers.
The change is already being felt in regards to the games. Roughly 100 Scouts participated in the first Highland Games. This year's registration number is over 200.
The theme itself is also a huge draw, Rogers said. Last year was the first year the games were themed around the traditionally Scottish competition. While previous themes have included "Klondike" and "zombie," the Highland theme was so enjoyable for participants and spectators alike that the pack decided to make it an annual event, she said.
Traditional Highland Games activities - like the caber toss, in which competitors pick up and toss a large log; wellie wanging, the throwing of a boot; and the tomahawk throw, similar to darts, but with an axe and a wooden target - will be played.
All of the staff will be dressed in kilts and costumes, and Scottish blacksmiths will be selling merchandise and teaching about blacksmithing. There will also be a bagpiper playing and selling merchandise.
Following all the Scottish traditions, the day will end with a Scout staple: a flag retirement ceremony as part of the Scouts' duty to honor God and country, said Rogers. The Scouts hold such a ceremony a few times a year to teach children respect for the flag and all that it represents. Veterans are encouraged to join.
The games are being held at Clark Park on Robin Road in Ringgold Saturday, March 24 beginning at 9 a.m. The public cannot participate but may bring a picnic and watch. Application forms will be available for future Scouts.
"It's just clean fun," said Rogers.
Anyone with old, heavily worn or damaged flags can bring them to the park March 24 to have them properly honored and retired. The flag retirement ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m.
Email Alexandra Farmer at afarmer@timesfreepress.com.