Games I LOVE

[torcastle]

Since I'm new to the forum, I'm not sure if these have ever been brought up, and I'm too short on time to pore through every single post. I'm going to post anyway.
My favourite games are Bellingham Wa. and Canmore Alta. My love of the Bellingham Games goes way back to my dancing days when it was actually held in Bellingham, I won't say when that was, and was happily renewed when my daughter started dancing 7 years ago. This year (2005) it goes to a two day event which is such a great idea because the numbers of competitors has gotten huge! We camp on site for the weekend and family comes from all over BC and Washington for the event. Just like it used to be back in the olden days. Hovander Homestead Park in Whatcom County (Ferndale), about 30 mins. south of Surrey BC and 2 hours north of Seattle on the I-5. Loads of the usual vendors but also lots of demonstration booths, bands (the Wicked Tinkers!!!!!), food, sunshine (usually), dancers of all types, heavy games, kids games..........oh the list goes on! Now that we live in Alberta we take a week off for this event. I will not give it up, even if my daughter quits dancing!

Their link, but don't let the site fool you, the games are way more interesting than the site! :

http://www.bellinghamhighland.org/index_old.htm

Canmore is fun too and we only started doing that one two years ago. In the city park right in the middle of Canmore. Chilly in the morning but lovely in the afernoon. Again, loads of the usuals, vendors, bands, games, something for everyone and a great atmosphere.

Their link:

http://www.canmorehighlandgames.ca/

Just my thoughts, any more suggestions on good Alta and BC games?
Patty.

[Colin]

I have only been to the BC Highland games in Coquitlam. I have heard outstanding stuff about both Bellingham and Canmore though.

[torcastle]

Defenitely try Bellingham, it's worth the minimum of effort required to attend. Canmore is great too but a bit of a hike for you.
I've been to the BCs many, many times in my years of Highland Dancing life. I have nothing good to say about them. I have nothing really bad to say about them either. I just don't like them.
Once you try Bellingham and Canmore you'll never return to the BCs. Or maybe you will, anything can happen!
Patty.

[Colin]

Defenitely try Bellingham, it's worth the minimum of effort required to attend. Canmore is great too but a bit of a hike for you.
I've been to the BCs many, many times in my years of Highland Dancing life. I have nothing good to say about them. I have nothing really bad to say about them either. I just don't like them.
Once you try Bellingham and Canmore you'll never return to the BCs. Or maybe you will, anything can happen!
Patty.

I will see about giving Bellingham a try. As for the BC games, I could never give them up, as there are only a few blocks from my home (now), so it's just convenient to stop by. I do wish they would find a more appropriate time of year than the 30plus degree heat of June/July. I thought Bear and Rudi were likely to melt last year. Thank goodness for beer gardens.

[torcastle]

OOOOOOH yes. Sweltering heat. Stay away from the Penticton Games then. No shelter, no trees, sitting and waiting all afternoon for your kids to dance in wool kilts, and 35+ temps. NOT fun!