Highland Games celebrate Scottish culture in New Brunswick

The sounds of bagpipes and drums are cuttingthroughthe hot, humid air in downtown Fredericton this weekend as New Brunswickers gather to celebrate Scottish culture.

The 35thannual New Brunswick Highland Games Festival kicked off onSaturdayafternoon on the grounds of Government House in downtown Fredericton with massed bands and marches.

• Discovering the joys of scotch at Fredericton's Highland Games

A number of competitive events, including thecabertoss and hammer throw, are complemented with Scottish dances and freshhaggis.

"It's family tradition," said 23-year-oldNeil White, apiperat the games for the last 16 years."It's something I've done since I was a kid. My brother used to play. My family has been involved since I was a kid and I've made a lot oflifelongfriendships through it."

Including among the tents of Scottish foods andclothingis agenealogytent for those interested in tracing their family heritage toinvestigatesuspected Scottish roots, or to reaffirm the ones they might already have.

And the gamesare not just for thosewho claim Scottishdescent. Eleven-year-old snare drummerCallum McGinn admits to being Irish, but says his family practises a lot of Scottish traditions.

"Honestly, I just like playing in the bands and the bands facing off against each other," said McGinn. "I really like that. It just brings out the competition in these gameseven though it's friendlycompetition.

Lisa Harris, theministerfor NewBrunswick's Department of CelticAffairs, was on handto oversee the games for the first time in her posting.

"I invite everyone to come to the Highland Games here. And if you can't make it this weekend, come next year, and whenever you see there is a Highland Games make sure you get out andsupport the Scottish Heritage here in New Brunswick."

The games will continue throughout the weekend with the closingceremonieswrapping up at Sunday at 4 p.m.