subject: New Brunswick Bennet House B&b Atlantic Canada Cottages [print this page] New Brunswick Cottages and Hotels The Highland Festival Games
The Highland Games Festival takes place every July in Fredericton. This is the perfect opportunity to see what the Scottish Games are all about without spending lots of money to travel all the way to Scotland. Just be sure to take along your kilts and tartan plaid skirts so you can blend in with the rest of the festival goers. There is even prize money for the best outfit. If you're athletically minded, then feel free to enter the caber toss, sheaf toss, or Braemar stone toss. The tossing competitions are limited to very strong men and women, so bear that in mind when you enter.
If you're not so strong but are light on your feet, there is always the dancing. Highland Dancing competitions are open to everyone. If you play bagpipes, join the fun whether you're good enough to compete or not, you're guaranteed to find an audience. The sounds of bagpipes are heard throughout the games from sun up to sundown. Competitions are either solo or group events, some with drums and other instruments.
The Highland Games offers a host of workshops that teach Gaelic, and whiskey tasting to name two. Neophytes are taught how to read the tartan and learn what the colors actually mean. You can also learn to play the pipes, dance or even throw the caber. Music gatherings called Ceilidhs take place complete with song, dance, food and storytelling. The highlight of each day of the festival is a parade through the center of the city. Make your reservations early because hotel rooms do go fast, especially as time for the festival and games draws near.
