The 35th Annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games & Gathering of the Clans is happening on June 28 & 29, 2008 from 9 am to 5 pm with a free concert on the night of Friday, June 27 at 7 pm, at the Moonlight Amphitheater in Brengle Terrace Park, Vista, CA

Scottish Heavy Athletics: Whenever you here about Scottish Games, it is usually about the athletic events that were held over a 1000 years ago, when Celtic warriors displayed their bravery and strengths by performing various feats of skill and power in front of their opponents. The San Diego Scottish Games features competitions in Caber Toss, Weight Throw, Weight Toss, and Hammer Throw.

Highland Dancing: Dance is a crucial part of celebrations and ceremonies of the Highlands. Watch Highland Dancing Competitions featuring traditional and national dances like the Highland Fling, The Ghillie Callum (Sword Dance), The Reel of Tulloch, Flora MacDonald's Fancy, The Scottish Lilt, and the Sailor's Hornpipe.

Drum Major, Bagpipe & Drumming Competitions: The pipes and drums are arguably the most popular attraction at Highland games. The skirl of pipes and swirl of kilts, majestic drum majors and pageantry of massed bands abound. In addition to competitions the San Diego Scottish Highland Games offer opportunities for "playing for critique" and one-on-one instruction from some of the finest pipers in the world. Competitors of all ages are an important part of their Games.

Sheep Dog Trials: The sheep dog trials are one of the most popular events to watch at Scottish Highland Games. Watch as herding dogs move sheep around a field, through fences, gates, as directed by their handlers. Sheep Dog Trials began in the US in 1890.

Gathering of the Clans: The word 'clan; was the name given to a group of kinsmen united under a chief and claiming common ancestry. Around the 13th century, the clans of Scotland came into prominence, and their records have been carefully preserved - enabling Scots to trace their ancestors to that period. Visit the various Clan tents and booths to find out about their clan heritage - or possibly your Scottish roots!

Scottish Country Dancing:  Enjoy demonstrations of Scottish Country dancing - the traditional social dancing of Scotland. Not to be confused with the more athletic Highland dancing, country dances are performed in "sets" of three or more couples by folks of all ages and backgrounds. It is closely related to American square dancing and contra dancing. A variety of steps and patterns from simple to challenging, make this a dance for all levels of dancers.

Scottish Food, Drink & Merchandise:  Get a taste of Scotland! Visit our food court for authentic Scottish Cuisine like Fish & Chips, Scotch Eggs, Sausage Rolls and Meat Pies. Have a rollicking good time in the beer garden with live entertainment, stouts and ales, wine and sodas. From Kilts to Celtic Crafts, there is a whole field area dedicated to vendors offering quality imports and merchandise form the Isles.

Live Entertainment: Enjoy the music of Scotland with popular bands and entertainers including the Wicked Tinkers, Highland Way, Men of Worth, Molly's Revenge, Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh, Blackwaterside, and Jamie Laval & Ashley Broder.

Fun for the Kids: There's all kind of fun for the kids with a host children's activities. The Kid' Athletic Games gives them the chance to try their hands at traditional Scottish athletic events such as tossing cabers (made from cardboard); and the traditional Story Telling will entertain them with tales about imps, giants and more from Scotland, Ireland and England. Other fun activities include face painting and castle building, and the Vista Masonic Lodge will have a booth offering the Child Identification Program.

Kirkin' (Blessing) o' the Tartans: Held on Sunday, the Kirkin' o' the Tartans is a traditional Scottish religious service, which been part of the San Diego Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans for many years. The story of the Kirkin' o' the Tartan is a modern one. "Kirk" is a Scottish word meaning church and in Scotland the kirk refers to the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). The display of the tartans at a kirkin' represents the Scottish clans.

Tickets: Save money and by your tickets early!

For tickets & details visit www.SDHighlandGames.org or call (760) 726-3691 / (619) 425-3454.

For travel information, visit SouthwestBlend.com's Town Guides for Vista and nearby Fallbrook or Oceanside.