 |
|
Greg Bowles, owner of Black Pudding Imports, and Allan Hewitt at the BC Highland Games.
|
BC Highland Games: A Wonderful Culmination of Pipers, Dancers and Massed Pipe Bands
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
COQUITLAM - The swirl of the pipes, Highland dancers, cotton candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, Scotch pies, haggis pies, a beer garden and tartan everywhere...that was the scene at the Coquitlam Town Centre Stadium on June 25, for the BC Highland Games. This annual event is a wonderful culmination of pipers, dancers and massed pipe bands, coming together to celebrate and showcase the culture and heritage of Scotland.
I arrived at the grounds at 8 AM and headed straight for breakfast at the Austin Gourmet tent – Ayrshire bacon on a fresh bun – and was it delicious! Every year it tastes better. It’s nice to get around and see all the vendors’ tents early in the day before it gets too busy and check out all the different Celtic merchandise and foods.
With the overcast weather in the morning attendance was somewhat down to previous years, but the sun came out at noon and the crowds also arrived to enjoy the games.
 |
|
Andrea Boyle, Michael Nurenberg and owner Lil McVittie at the Celtic Treasure Chest tent at the BC Highland Games.
|
When you see Highland dancers and pipers as they warm up in preparation to compete, you begin to realize the fierce discipline, dedication and practice required to attend these events – it can all be summed up in one word... professionalism.
 |
|
THE Inverary Dancers performing on the main stage at the BC Highland Games.
|
Speaking about professionalism, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band (SFU), the four-time World Pipe Band Champions also performed at the games. I overheard a bystander watching their performance say, “I can see why they’re world champions.”
Not only is the SFU Pipe Band four-time World Pipe Band Champions but they have also earned many other awards and accolades, and played and recorded in some of the world’s best concert halls.
They have brought great honour to the Simon Fraser University as well as Vancouver and have done us proud in international competitions. This year, the SFU Pipe Band is celebrating its 25th anniversary and the Simon Fraser University is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The band will travel to Scotland again to attend the World Piping Competition in Glasgow on August 13, along with 150 other pipe bands from around the world. This time they plan to win the title of five-time World Pipe Band Champions.
Special recognition belongs to two brothers for their extraordinary contribution to Scottish culture and heritage. Pipe Major Terry Lee and Pipe Sargent Jack Lee have put their life energy and total dedication into ensuring the continued excellence and professionalism of the SFU Pipe Band. We wish them and the SFU Pipe Band every success in Glasgow at the World Piping Competition.
 |
|
MARLENE AND KEN ROGERSON at the BC Highland Games. Marlene is the president of the Moray, Nairn and Banff Association.
|
|
 |
|
The Carracher Clan (L-R) grandfather Bill and his three grandsons, Harrison, Ryan and Aidin. In the back is dad Darryl and mom Traci. (Darryl manages the Scottish Cultural Centre.)
|
|
 |
|
Terry Vargas and his son Terran with Rudi Diesvelt of celticempire.com at the BC Highland Games.
|
|
 |
|
PIPE MAJOR TERRY LEE of the SFU Pipe Band and his son Alastair at the BC Highland Games.
|
|
|
