Who we are.

Four people standing under a wooden arbor outdoors, smiling for the camera. They are on a grassy lawn with trees in the background.

The team behind the Vashon Highland Games is proud to announce the launch of the first-ever Vashon Lowland Games, taking place on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This locally focused Scottish festival on Vashon Island is a celebration of Celtic culture, Highland athletics, music, dancing, food, and community connection. Grá, Dílseacht, agus Cairdeas. Love, loyalty, friendship. Grá Dílseacht Cairdeas. 

The event is co-founded by islanders Amanda Kelly of Swordfern Agency and Christine Patterson of Night Owl Design Co., with support from her World Highland Games Champion, Jeff Thornton of Vashon Plumbing Services, and generous stewardship from property owner Dan Housholder. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust and the Claddagh Fund, the charitable foundation of the  Dropkick Murphys. We are all in this together, from sea to shining sea.

Slàinte Mhath! Join us for a day of Celtic pride, island joy, and community celebration.

A woman with blonde hair smiling and sitting in a rocking chair on a porch with trees in the background.

Amanda Kelly

A woman with blonde hair and fair skin wearing sunglasses on her head, a white beaded necklace, yellow earrings, and a tank top, smiling at the camera.
A smiling man sitting cross-legged on an outdoor sofa with patterned cushions, surrounded by green foliage.

Christine Patterson

A man wearing a kilt and a blue tie-dye tank top holding a wooden plaque at night during the Dublin Irish Festival. He is smiling, wearing sunglasses on his head, and has a medal around his neck. The background shows other people, cars, and outdoor lighting.

Dan Housholder

Jeffery Thornton

  • Owner, Vashon Plumbing Services

    CO Founder of Vashon Highland Games

    Jeffery Thornton is a World Champion Highland Games athlete and current world record holder in the weight-for-distance throw. Since 2013, Jeff has competed in Highland Games across the country, not only for the sport but for the lasting friendships and family he has found in the Highland community. That sense of connection is what inspires him to bring the Games to Vashon, sharing the tradition, strength, and camaraderie with his home island.

    Beyond the field, Jeffery is the proud owner of Vashon Plumbing Services, where he provides top-quality plumbing solutions rooted in professionalism and reliability. His passion for both his sport and his community shines through in everything he does.

  • Owner of Swordfern Agency

    Co Founder of Vashon Highland Games

    Amanda Kelly brings thirty years of public relations expertise to clients across the board, creating solutions by drawing on the strengths of her network, team, clear vision and honest hard work. Coaching, real conversations, no bs partnerships. Navigating the intricacies of negotiation, contracts and platforms to offer results that work for all involved. Always solutions focused. From national press to local events, Kelly‘s expertise serves clients whose vision is in alignment with growth and well-being including and beyond the bottom line. An award-winning poet, essayist, activist, yogi and mother of five beautiful (and grown) children currently living on unceded Coast Salish land aka Vashon Island in the Salish Sea, Kelly has spent her career dedicated to making change in the world by bringing right relationship into all aspects of business and life. When not wrangling operations, clients and contracts, she can be found outside somewhere with her dog by her side.

    In her role with the Vashon Highland Games, Amanda oversees public relations, marketing, and social media. A Boston native who grew up attending Highland Games, she carries a deep appreciation for the traditions and cultural spirit they embody. When Christine (also best friend) started dating Jeff, she was the first to see the opportunity for Vashon to benefit from bringing the Games to the island—envisioning both the cultural celebration and the positive impact on local businesses and community life.

  • Owner of Night Owl Design Co & Night Owl Logistics

    Co Founder of Vashon Highland Games

    Christine Patterson, former hotel GM, is the founder of the Night Owl brand, where creativity meets business strategy. Through Night Owl Design Co., she develops original artwork and merchandise with her kids teaching them about commerce while also delivering branding, graphic design, and digital marketing that help businesses sharpen their identity and connect with customers. With Night Owl Logistics, she provides reliable bookkeeping and back-office support—giving hardworking business owners the structure and freedom to focus on growth. Looking ahead, Christine is expanding her portfolio with Night Owl Property Solutions, a new venture in property management.

    At the Vashon Highland Games, where she manages the website, design, merchandise and event logistics, she is also madly in love with our champion, Jeff Thornton and inspired to help bring the games he loves to Vashon Island. After attending five Highland Games this year, she has experienced firsthand not only the cultural impact, festivities, and joy these events bring to communities, but also the significant boost they provide to local commerce. Together, she, Amanda and Jeff are excited to share that same spirit with Vashon—bringing a perfect balance of brains and brawn.

  • Venue Owner

    Retired Service Manager at Boeing

    When I purchased this property several years ago, I knew my mission was to learn this land and find out what it wanted to be. As a long-time Highland Games fan, I've always thought that it would be a perfect place for a Highland Games event, since it has the rolling hills feel of the Scottish Highlands. I've been rehabbing the buildings and clearing blackberry for years, waiting for it to speak to me. When Amanda, Christine, and Jeff approached me about having a Highland Games here, I knew I had my answer. I knew that this was meant to be. I hope people will appreciate this beautiful property and feel the magic that resides within it.