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13 ·The IFP· Halton Hills, Thursday, May 31, 2012 Local residents can cheer on a local competitor at the Highland Games on June 9 this year. Georgetown resident, Jennifer Paterson, is competing in the Heavy Games for women. Paterson has just come off of two first-place finishes in the United States and looks to try to win the overall competition in Georgetown this year. Photo courtesy Dan Paterson Competitors to arrive from across North America for Highland Games By LISA TALLYN Staff Writer A wee bit of Scotland will come to Georgetown on Saturday, June 9 for the 37th Annual Georgetown Highland Games and Scottish Festival. Gates to the popular games held at Georgetown Fairgrounds will open at 8 a.m. with a full day of activities scheduled. Opening Ceremonies are slated for noon and Massed Bands will start at 1 p.m. Games past president Bill Miller said there will be more than 40 bands at this year's event, around 320 Highland dancers and 22 men and seven women competing in the heavy weight events. Competitors will be coming from places such as California, Boston, Chicago, Halifax and Vancouver to name a few. There will also be 35 vendors including Scottish food vendors and a beer tent. Miller stressed the Games will be held rain or shine. While it's too early to know what the weather will be on the day, Miller said in the past organizers have noticed when there's rain predicted, the crowds stay away, but in the end there may have been just a sprinkle of rain. "Don't listen to the weather forecasts," said Miller. "Come, bring an umbrella. Enjoy the day. The pipes never sound better than when there's a little dampness in the air." Along with the heavyweight events and highland dancing, there will also be a Clan Village where people can learn more about the history and lineage of several great clans. Simple Scottish fare will be available at the concessions, along with other foods and fancy goods. The Cheer Garden is sponsored by Creemore Springs Brewery Ltd. and this year Famous Grouse will host whiskey tasting. There will be a raffle with the grand prize being a $500 gas card. Second prize is a barbecue. The draw will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday. This year the Honourary Chieftain is Halton Region Chairman Gary Carr. The 78th Frazer Highlanders will be participating in the Games as Escort to the Honourary Chieftain. The Georgetown Games, which each year draws approximately 6,000 people, is the kickoff to the Highland Games season in Ontario and has been since its inception in 1975. Miller said previously there were 14 Highland Games in Ontario but that has now dropped to nine. "Volunteers are hard to come by," said Miller. "Our committee is extremely dedicated to ensure our Games survive." Over the past few years Miller said sponsorship for the Games has declined and stressed the need for more sponsors. "We're hoping the local population and especially local businesses will support us by attending and/or sponsoring," said Miller. There are various levels of sponsorship beginning at $250. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor of the Games is asked to email the current president Maggie McDonell at maggie_mcdonell@hotmail.com, or people can even sponsor the day of the Games. "We hope local people will really make the effort to join us as we have been duly recognized as one of the top tourist attractions within Halton Region," said Miller. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and children 12 and under with a parent get in free. Volunteers are needed for set up and take down. Those interested should show up at the Fairgrounds 8 a.m. on Friday and/or 8 a.m. Sunday. For more information visit: www. georgetownhighlandgames.com