Okotoks will be filled with the spirit of Scottish heritage and culture this summer at the second annual Foothills Highland Games.
The Games will be a large scaled event taking place August 27 at the Foothills Composite High School with showcases and competitors taking part from all over Western Canada.
John Barlow, chair of the Foothills Highland Games, said there are going to be events at the Games that are for everyone any age or nationality.
“This is something everybody can come and enjoy; you don’t have to be Scottish. For those who are from that background it’s great because they get a little taste of home,” said Barlow. “But on the flip side, if you don’t have that background this is a great chance to experience a new culture because you are almost stepping into real Scotland.”
Barlow has some strong families ties to Scotland and the Highland Games.
“My wife was born in Scotland so I’ve been there a couple of times. The atmosphere of the Games is a real family fun event and there is a real festive feel to it,” said Barlow.
The Highland Games were originally held in High River for ten years, but were moved to Okotoks in 2010 for more space and a better opportunity to grow.
Barlow added that the Games will be a real Scottish affair with a variety of vendors selling Scottish candy, meat pies, kilts and even haggis sliders.
Heavy games will also play a large part in the event with athletes taking part in caber toss, shot put, weight throw and other events.
Heather Fancourt organized the many bands, pipers and drummers for the Games and she says the music and entertainment are going to be fantastic.
“We have bands from all over Alberta and we also have a father and son who traveling from San Diego to compete in the solo competition,” said Fancourt.
There will be a range of bands all the way from Grade Five bands, which is beginner, up to Grade One bands, which is the professional level.
“There will be one Grade One band this year and they are called Alberta Caledonia. They travel to Scotland for the World Pipe Band Championships and they are known all around the world,” said Fancourt.
She added that there will be a warm up area for the pipers where spectators can view the meticulous process of tuning a bagpipe.
“Bagpipes are so tricky to tune properly,” said Fancourt. “It’s quite a procedure because it’s very exact and it changes with the amount of sunshine and the temperature, which makes it very difficult and it’s very interesting to watch.”
The solo competitions will start in the morning and the band competitions will take place in the afternoon. There will also be professional Celtic dancers performing and taking part in Highland dance competition in the morning.
Barlow said the highlight of all the events is witnessing the coming together of all the pipers and drummers.
“There will be a massed band at the end where all of the bands get together and play. It’s a huge performance that gives you goose bumps and the hair on the back of your neck stands up,” said Barlow.
The event will be topped off with a Celtic ceildh at 6 p.m. with a $10 admisson, which is a dance for anyone to enjoy some great music and dancing.
The Okotoks Lions Club and the Kinsmen is hosting a pancake breakfast in the morning and the Okotoks Rotary Club will be putting on a barbecue during the day.
“There is going to be demonstrations from the Mad Dog Cannoneers, about 30 vendors, face painting, beer gardens and live entertainment all day,” said Barlow. “We will also have scotch tasting for a chance to taste some of the best scotch from around the world.”
The festivities continue into the night with an after party at Original Joes with another Celtic band performing.
You can purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win a one year lease on a Ford Fiesta and second place takes home a custom made kilt.
Gates open and 7 a.m. with the opening ceremonies beginning at 1 p.m., with MP Ted Menzies, Rocky View MLA Ted Morton and Highwood MLA George Groeneveld in attendance.
Admission to the Foothills Highland Games is $10 per person or you can purchase a $25 family pass for four people. For more information or to volunteer please contact John Barlow at 403-837-0543 or Mary Donaldson at [email protected].
