Are You Ready for the Highland Games?

Now that we're happily past 'hump day,' the weekend's looming into view and behold! What's that you're hearing? Could it be bagpipes? Indeed, festivities for the begin tomorrow, Friday, July 27 and stretch through Sunday, July 29 at the Enumclaw Expo Center.

Here's a better description of what you can expect from the organization's press release:

North American Scottish Athletics Championship, US West Coast Drum Corps Championship, NW Regional Harp Finals, individual Piping and Drumming, Pipe Bands, Highland and National Dancing – you will see and experience it all, plus much more!

Be amazed by the titans who deftly toss the caber and put the stone, matching skill and strength against the odds on the athletic field of battle. Delight in the soothing sound of the Celtic harpists as they compete and then join together for a Harpers’ Circle jam session. Thrill to the bourdon of the bagpipes and the cadence of the drums as you witness, first hand, the fine array of talented pipers and drummers competing before judges of worldwide renown. Behold the grace and elegance of the Scottish dancers as they regale you with the Highland and National dances of Scotland. Visit the Rampant Lion Pub or the Tilted Kilt Pub to raise a glass of fine Scottish style ales.

Sample a wide variety of traditional Scottish foods as you enjoy the Celtic Arts Showcases as various local English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh dancers, musicians and singers perform.

Our featured performers include – the traditional Scottish folk artist Colin Grant-Adams, the upbeat and lively Men of Worth, the three part harmonies of Golden Bough, the multi-talented ensemble Blackthorn, the dynamic and electrifying Tempest, and the powerhouse Celtic trio Brother.

We invite you to visit the encampment of the Northwest’s premier steel combat troupe the Seattle Knights. Stroll through the Avenue of the Clans, the Glen of the Clans and our Walk Through Time and delve into your Scottish ancestry and heritage.

Wind through the Hall of the Vendors and the Celtic Marketplace and observe the fine workmanship of Scottish artisans, and spend your hard-earned tuppence on lovely imported goods from the British Isles.

Don't miss our Scottish Farm with shaggy Scotch Highland cattle and Clydesdale horses. Complete your tour with the Celtic Kennel as we feature the Celtic dog breeds at work and at play.

Plan to attend the Ceilidh Saturday evening – a traditional Scottish party with music, sing-along, stories and Scottish country dancing. It is a weekend not to be missed – full of fun, education and traditional Scottish activities, so please join us and enjoy a wee bit of Scotland right here in the Pacific Northwest!

OK, now back to us: we're checking out the Celtic Marketplace dancing schedule and note that the local will be performing at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. and again at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Come Friday for events between 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. and admission is free. Tickets for adults are $15 for one day or get a two-day pass for $22. For seniors 60+, children 5 to 17, and Military, a one-day ticket costs $11, and a two-day pass is $16. Kids under 5 are free and parking is $5 a day.

Visit the official website of the Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association (www.sshga.org) for more information, including a complete event schedule, camping information, lodging, maps and more.