Let the games begin … Scotland County will hold its 4th Annual Highland Games on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the historic John Blue House and Heritage Center in Laurinburg, N.C. At the site, visitors will have the opportunity to see several historic Scottish-American features such as a working antebellum cotton gin and a general store. If you have never experienced the Highland Games, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

There will be athletic competitors featured in the games this year. Many of the top-ranked amateurs in the world who are considered to be the best athletes in the Highland Games will compete in the games this year. Athletes will compete in games such as the caber toss and hammer and stone throwing. It will be fun for the entire family as everyone has the chance to see the athletes do the sheaf toss. In the sheaf toss, the competitors will throw a 20-pound bale of straw straight up over a high bar using a pitchfork.

And there will be events that will allow children to test their skills. You can register for the kids games atwww.shgnc.org or sign up before 11 a.m. on the morning of the event.

Not only does the games’ site create an illusion of the Scottish-American historical experience, the local hotels and restaurants will offer Scottish-inspired theme and menu to welcome everyone to the City of Laurinburg/Scotland County.

One thing that you don’t want to miss and it is sure to leave you with great memories of the event is the competition between pipe and drum bands. There is nothing as stirring as the wail of the bagpipes, and when coupled with the beat of the drum, you are sure to have a Braveheart moment. According to Bill Caudill, director of the games, the day will offer both individual and band competition sanctioned by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association.

“The competition will bring bands in from all over the southeast and provide spectators a fi rst-hand look at the precision of pipe bands,” says Caudill.

Another featured attraction is the assortment of food from numerous vendors that offer both Scottish and American food. There will also be entertainment on the music and dance stage, including a Scottish Dance competition, so come out and join in all of the activities.

“The day’s festivities continue Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. when the organizing committee presents a Ceilidh (Scottish party with beer and light food) at the William Henry Belk Student Center on the campus of St. Andrews University. There will be a $10 admission charge at the door,” said Cory Hughes, event spokesperson.

The Scotland County Highland Games are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, at the John Blue House and Historic Center in Laurinburg. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for children. Advanced ticket discounts are available. For more information, visit www.schgnc.org or call 910-277-3149.

Photos: The Scotland County Highland Games will feature traditional events like the caber toss, as well as competition between elite pipe and drum bands.