Whatcom County residents turn out for Scottish Highland Games

PETER JENSEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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No matter their actual heritage, the hundreds of Whatcom County residents who attended the Scottish Highland Games at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale on Sunday, June 7, made no secret of their enthusiasm for all things Scottish.

And to be certain, the event had plenty of true Scots - along with an abundance of bagpipes, kilts and swords.

The Highland Games began Saturday and continued throughout Sunday, and featured a bevy of athletic and dance competitions.

Bellingham Highland Games 2009

The competitions included the caber toss, where competitors heave a utility-pole-sized wooden pole, rugby matches and the highland dance, among many others.

The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band performed Sunday, and the performance was a highlight for George Chue, an employee with the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department who attended the Highland Games on his day off.

Chue said he was also enamored with the collection of swords for sale at the event.

"You can get a deal on any kind of sword you can imagine," Chue said. "I'm a kid in an adult's body. I see swords and I want to buy them."

Chue said he has attended the Highland Games for years, and always finds something new to enjoy.

"Every year I see things that I haven't seen before," Chue said.

2010 will be the 50th anniversary for the Highland Games in Whatcom County.