NW Scottish Highland Games 7/25-26

The 63rd Annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering are in full swing at the Enumclaw Expo Center (formerly the King County Fairgrounds) July 25 and 26, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Entertainment and events include: 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 - Scottish balladeer Alex Beaton, the traditional Scottish folk artist Colin Grant-Adams, the loud and boisterous Wicked Tinkers, the upbeat and lively Molly's Revenge, the Texas Celtic Rockers Needfire, and the three part harmonies of Golden Bough.

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 and the Glen of the Clans 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!

The Highland Games are the sixth oldest in the US and the largest in Washington State with 30,000 attending last year. The Highland Games will be the grand finale to Washington State Scottish Week, as proclaimed by Governor Gregoire.

Games Admission: Per Day: Adult $15.00. Senior Citizen 60 & Over / Active Military $11.00. Children 5 to 17 $10.00. Children Under 5 Free. Two Day Pass: Adult $22.00. Senior Citizen 60 & Over / Active Military $16.00. Children 5 to 17 $14.00. Parking: Per Day: $5.00
(No pets allowed in Enumclaw Expo Center)

Saturday Events
12:30 PM - "Welcoming Ceremony, Massing of the Pipes & Drums, Presentation of Colors & Parade of the Clans"
5:00 PM - "Massing of the Pipes & Drums and Awards Presentation"
7:00 PM - "Ceilidh" (Kay-lee) A traditional Scottish party open to all, at the Expo Center. Saturday admission includes Ceilidh.

Sunday Events
9:00 AM - "Kirkin O' the Tartan" A church service with a blessing of the tartan.
9:00 AM - "Piobaireachd (pea-brock) Competition" Piobaireachd is the classical music of the bagpipe.
12:30 PM - "Massing of the Pipes & Drums, Presentation of Colors & Parade of the Clans"
5:00 PM - "Closing Ceremony, Massing of the Pipes & Drums and Awards Presentations"