Colours of Scotland at BC Legion Highland Gathering
SOUTH SURREY - The BC Legion Highland Games is a major Celtic celebration coming to the South Surrey/White Rock area on June 19 and bringing with it the skirl of the pipes, the energy of Scottish dancers, Legion colour parties and a host of spectators from around British Columbia.
“We are looking at approximately 500 to 700 people coming from out of town and we are estimating hosting between 1,500 to 2,500 participants and spectators,” said Mike Stephan, the 2004 Highland Gathering Chairman, a White Rock travel consultant.
“During the games at Crescent Park, we will have a variety of Scottish and Celtic entertainment including dancers, heavy events (caber toss, tug-of-war, sheaf toss), and Celtic music on stage,” explained Stephan, who has his own list of credits in the piping world.
As a youngster, he began bagpiping in 1989 with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, played at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in 1991 and was a feature bagpiper at the 1994 Brier Cup in Red Deer, Alberta. Stephan has been involved in both civilian and military piping for many years and works extensively as an instructor including with Cadet bands in Alberta and B.C. He is currently pipe band coordinator for cadet corps in the Lower Mainland.
”The highlight of the day will be the massed bands (in South Surrey’s Crescent Park) at 11:30 AM. This includes over 400 bagpipers and drummers, playing together, officially opening the 2004 BC Legion Highland Gathering,” explained Stephan, a member of the Canadian Forces, holding the rank of Captain, and current Commanding Officer of 2822 RCACC in Surrey.
The event chairman announced, “the parade (Surrey Centre to Five Corners in White Rock, starting at 9 AM) will include more than 15 bands and colour parties, along with representation from various community organizations from White Rock/South Surrey area.”
Jointly sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion, Crescent Branch 240 and the Crescent Beach Pipers. Stephan is a founding member and current Band President on top of his duties as chair of the 2004 Highland Gathering.
Reception and registration for gathering participants begins on June 18 at Crescent Branch 240 (2643-128 Street, Surrey) and includes a dinner and dance. Following the Saturday activities, a Celidh will be held at the Star of the Sea Hall (Five Corners) for all participants and a pancake breakfast at Branch 240, on Sunday morning, hosted by the local Lions Club, will wind up the 2004 event.
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