With the skirl of the pipes ringing through the air and the pride of the highlands in full display, the 154th annual Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival returns to Topaz Park this weekend.
One of the longest running festivals in North America, this year’s games are expected to attract more than 20,000 people to celebrate all things Celtic, including the popular strongman events. If you’ve never seen a kilted strongman toss a caber (a wooden pole approximately the size of a telephone pole), or throw a iron hammer over what appears to be a pole vault bar, the Highland Games are the place to go.
The event also includes sheepdog competitions where they herd sheep into pens, sword fighting lessons, music, dance and falconry as well as craft displays, food, dance and entertainment.
No Highland event would be complete without the mandatory nosing and tasting of the finest single malt whiskey, or a taste of the specially brewed Highland Challenge Ale. (adults only).
The event takes place May 20, 21, and 22 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the holiday Monday.
For more information visit vichighlandgames.com.