151st Victoria Games

**ThistleDown** · 19th May 14, 11:36 PM

Canada celebrated Queen Victoria's birthday this past weekend and Victoria, British Columbia, celebrated its 151st annual Highland Games. Under almost cloudless skies the event gathered thousands of spectators, world-class heavies, US champion LA Scots and six-times world champion Simon Fraser University bands and, of course, a collection of XMarks folk. A few pics of the day:

Macman before the sunburn.

In the centre SFU Pipe Major Alan Bevan and on the right multi-medalled Pipe Sergeant Jack Lee.

LA Scots' base.

SFU's Drum Major Jason Paguio looking for his mace.

Post-competition three SFU pipers 'judging' LA Scots.

Not mine; beautifully trained.

A captured moment. Four of many: Macman, KiltedGnome, Wizardof BC, ThistleDown.

For more on four-time world champion drum major Jason Paguio spend a few minutes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khdU-Y1uUU8

**cessna152towser** · 19th May 14, 11:42 PM

Thanks for the report and excellent pics Rex.
Doesn't time fly, its hard to believe its been a whole two years since I last met you all at the Victoria Games in 2012.

**ThistleDown** · 20th May 14, 12:12 AM

When we think time flies it's a sign of getting older, Alex.

Surely it can't be two years though. It seems only this past month, or maybe it was January. Och, no, I remember it didn't rain so that must have been May in 2012, as you say.

**The Wizard of BC** · 20th May 14, 12:17 AM

Thank you Rex. I was locked in my booth all day and never did get to see any of the games.

**Downunder Kilt** · 20th May 14, 12:38 AM

Thanks for bringing your view of the gathering to us Rex. Majestic looking bird you pictured there. Cheers

**ASinclair** · 20th May 14, 08:52 AM

Nice pictures, thanks!

**JohntheBiker** · 20th May 14, 11:05 AM

It's pretty clear where the decent weather went this past weekend (not here)! Terrific pictures.

**creagdhubh** · 20th May 14, 12:38 PM

Delightful photos, Rex. Everyone looks well turned out. Thank you for sharing.

Cheers,

**Macman** · 20th May 14, 03:03 PM

If I may post some more pictures, Rex?
LA Scots warming up in front of the Freedom Kilts booth.

A wee laddie in his new kilt, watching the band competition. I just couldn't resist!

**The Wizard of BC** · 20th May 14, 03:49 PM

Just to give everyone an idea of what you are seeing in MacMan's photos.

Here is one taken from my side. I am standing just inside my tent.

What you are seeing are two of the best pipe bands in the world going head to head against each other.
The Simon Fraser Pipe Band and the L.A. Scots Pipe band.

One would play for a while and then the other would try to outdo them.

It was an awesome experience as the sound would bounce around inside my tent. No one could talk, no one could even move the sound was so intense.
My wife who is an Audiologist was running around handing out earplugs.