One of Calgary’s longest running cultural festivals has found a new home at the Springbank Park for All Seasons Sept. 4.

The Calgary Highland Games 97th year is moving the event 10 minutes west of the city because the games are out growing it’s previous Calgary venue of Shouldice Park  and causing hazard to the Astro-turf.

“We’re really excited about it,” said Calgary Highland Games president Dawn McEachern. “It’s a wonderful venue. It seems to meet everything we need.”
According to the Calgary Highland Games website, the historical origin of highland games “probably lies in contests that were organized by Malcolm III (1059-1093) at Braemar in Scotland to select the most effective warriors” to send off to war.

Today things may have changed a bit, but many of the traditions have persevered.

Like in previous years, the games will hold piping, drumming, dancing, and athletic competitions throughout the day.

The Scots on the Run, a five-kilometre road race, will kick off the day at 9 a.m. with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society. Runners or walkers can register at 7:30 a.m. at the park.

New to this year’s games is the 2010 Canadian Heavy Events Championship, where the top-ten Canadian Heavy Events competitors will toss cabers and throw hammers to win the professional title in the early afternoon.

Also, new this year is a tug of war and a post-games party.

“This is the first time we’ve done a post-games Ceilidh,” said McEachern. “Its like a big family pub night.”

The Ceilidh has brought the Scottish band Celtic Spirit as the headliner, and should run from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

Presale tickets can be bought online for 10 per cent off at calgaryhighlandgames.org, or at the gate, and cost $12 for adults, $6 for youth and seniors and children under five get in free.

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