Scottish culture captured the attention of visitors at the rec centre this Saturday.
The Highwood Highland Showcase brought a slew of highland dancers, bagpipers, and drummers alongside a showcase of traditional Highland Games events to the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex.
Residents gathered in the rec centre parking lot from 9 a.m. until around 4 p.m. to witness the celebration of Scottish culture, with plenty of local talent taking part.
A piper performs on stage during the Highwood Highland Showcase at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex. HighRiverOnline/Jayden Steidl
Ahead of Saturday’s showcase, event organizer and Highland Games athlete Dylan Cameron expressed excitement about bringing Scottish culture to High River.
“We are really excited to be able to showcase Scottish culture and events in High River,” said Cameron.
The celebration featured the Foothills Caledonia Youth Pipe Band, which performed with bagpipers and a pipe-band bass drum.
Members of the Foothills Caledonia Youth Pipe Band perform during the Highwood Highland Showcase. HighRiverOnline/Jayden Steidl
The southern Alberta youth pipe band also brought electronic chanters and various drums, allowing attendees to try the instruments.
Alongside them were the Highwood Highland Dancers, an Alberta-based drum ensemble, and additional pipers to energize the crowd before competitors took to the field for the Scottish hammer throw.
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The Scottish hammer throw is a traditional Highland Games event where competitors swing a wooden handle with a spherical weight and throw it over their shoulder as far as possible.
Several competitors showcased their hammer-throwing skills, with one throwing around 90 feet.
A competitor takes part in the Scottish hammer throw during the Highwood Highland Showcase. HighRiverOnline/Jayden Steidl
The event also featured stone put, weight for distance, weight over bar, and caber toss throughout the day.
According to organizers, the main goal was to reintroduce spectators to the Highland Games while welcoming newcomers, with hopes of generating enough interest for future events in the High River community.
