Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering

The 68th annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering kicks off Friday evening, then gets rolling in earnest from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Expo Center.

A highlight is the massing of the pipe and drum bands and the parade of the clans, which takes place at 12:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors can stroll through the Avenue of the Clans, delve into Scottish heritage or wind through the Hall of Vendors and the Celtic Marketplace to see the workmanship of Scottish artisans. Others will wander through the Scottish farm with shaggy Scotch Highland cattle and Clydesdale horses, visit the Celtic kennel or perhaps lift a glass or two of Scottish-style ales.

The musical acts provide everything from quiet strings to raucous reels. The Seattle Knights return with their acts of choreographed combat and athletes will compete in a variety of traditional Celtic events.

Tickets are $17 for adults per day or a two-day pass is available for $25. Reduced prices are available for senior citizens, children and active military. There’s a $5 daily fee for parking. There is no admission fee for Friday night’s festivities.

For information call 206-522-2541 or visit www.sshga.org.

These Highland Games, hosted by the Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association, are the sixth-oldest in the United States and are traditionally the largest in Washington state. Last year’s event drew an estimated 28,000 visitors.