Topaz Park was alive with the sounds of pipes and drums once again as the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival brought the spectacle of sport and music to town for the 160th year.

The first of two days for the event offered up pro and amateur heavy events in both menB次元官网网址檚 and womenB次元官网网址檚 categories, massed bands, solo piping and drumming competition, and highland dance competitions.

Visitors not taking in the competition had plenty to keep them busy too, with a wide selection of food trucks, cultural booths, vendors, and even whisky and wine tasting schools.

ItB次元官网网址檚 no wonder Victoria Highland Games Association president Jim Maxwell was all smiles during a brief pause between his organizing duties.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 going great. Big crowds, the weather is fabulous, and we have world-class entertainment,B次元官网网址� said Maxwell. B次元官网网址淚 think people are looking for something to do, and the weather just brings them here to Topaz Park.B次元官网网址�

Maxwell said organizers were hoping as always for a larger turnout than the previous edition B次元官网网址� which was the first full-scale event since the pandemic was declared B次元官网网址� and he said if Saturday is anything to go by, they have achieved that goal.

Among the highlights visitors can look forward to this year, Maxwell said performances all weekend by the United States Marine Corps 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from San Diego, Calif. is well worth catching during SaturdayB次元官网网址檚 sunset ceremony starting at 7 p.m., and during their performance from 4:30 to 4:50 p.m. Sunday.

B次元官网网址淭hey are world-class. I heard them practicing yesterday and they are just over the top.B次元官网网址�

The games run until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Kids under 12 get in free, while youth 13 to 18 tickets are $15, adults $20, and seniors over 65 $15.

READ MORE:

justin.samanski-langille@goldstreamgazette.com
Like us on and follow us on .