Victoria, BC Highland Games & Celtic Fest

[The Wizard of BC]

A reminder to all on Vancouver Island and those who may not have heard.
This next weekend, May 17 & 18, Victoria is holding it's 71st Highland Games.

This year the event has been expanded to a two day Festival.

On Sat. we will host a new part of the Games with Celtic Fest. All things Celtic and Irish in particular. Sheep dog trials, Sheep shearing, Spinning and weaving, Irish foods, step dancing and booths galore.

On Sun. will be the Heavy Events, Pipe Band competition, Scottish Dance Competition, The Massed Bands, Whiskey School, and Haggis galore (Haggis Dim Sum anyone?)

Freedom Kilts will be in attendance again and this year and we are expanding out booth to double it's usual size. We hope to highlight our new line of jewelry, t-shirts, and of course our Kilts.

This year we also have a new venue. Topaz Park on Blanshard instead of the usual place in Esquimalt.

This year we are ramping up our games in preparation for next years World Championship Heavy Games which will be held in Victoria.

So if you can come out and join us, this promises to be a very special event. You always know that the festival season is in full swing when Victoria hauls out its kilts and pipes for the Games.

[Macman]

I'll see you there, Steve! This year the SFU Grade 1 band will be there. Also, the Tartan Parade is this Saturday (May 10) at 11 AM, from City Hall down Government Street to the Parliament Buildings.

[Big Mikey]

Of course I'll be there. I mean I have a kilt to pick up anyway so why not? Looking forward to a great weekend.

[Raphael]

Have fun guys. I am racing dragon boat that weekend!

[The Wizard of BC]

Shameless bump.

For those in and around Victoria, this promises to be a great year of Celtic Celebration.

And the weather report says we will have our first real summer days this weekend.

Hint, hint: Erin and the Pink Death mini Kilt will be at the games.

[Colin]

I'd love to make it for the games (I have always wanted to attend, but haven't made it yet). However we are heading to Kamloops next week so we need to sit back this weekend and get some work around the place done. Have a great time guys.

[LairdOfTheBrae]

I'm thinking about taking the ferry over for Sunday. How is the transit system on Sundays from Swartz Bay to Topaz Park? Where would i get off the bus?

[Macman]

LOTB, here is a link to transit information so you can look up the times:

http://www.transitbc.com/regions/vic...e.txt&line=70&

You can catch the #70 bus into town from Swartz Bay. It stops at the Holiday Inn just south of Finlayson St. From there, take the crosswalks to cross Blanshard and Finlayson, and you'll be at Topaz Park. Follow the sound of the pipes!

[LairdOfTheBrae]

I thank you kind sir. Looks like there is better service on the island on Sundays than there is in the city! narf.

[The Wizard of BC]

Here are just the first photos from the first day at Celtic Fest.

Tomorrow promises to be even better.

The Freedom Kilts Booth



A Freedom Kilts 6 pack

L to R
Big Mikey in Fashion Tartan # 26 Box Pleats, Tim in Hunter Tartan, Erin in Pink Death, Matt in Nova Scotia, Lyalrider in X Marks, Jodie in Black Watch Mini.



Crowd and other booths to be posted tomorrow.