July 19, 2008 - 4:30 AM
UXBRIDGE -- Steve Harrison is not only the spokesman for this year's Highlands of Durham Games, he's also someone to watch for at the event.

The Sonya resident (on the border of Durham and Kawartha Lakes) has been involved with the games, running Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27, in Uxbridge's Elgin Park, since it started 14 years ago. And aside from spreading the word locally about the Celtic-themed festival, the senior drum major will be leading several pipes and drums bands onto the field throughout the event.

"I'm really proud to do it," said Mr. Harrison.

As a drum major, his job is to conduct the bands, he said.

The band leader has competed internationally five times in Glasgow, Scotland, in a world championship event and placed as high as 19th out of a field of 75, he said. He also heads a band in the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Warrior's Parade, he said, adding the CNE has handed over an award to the best drum major for the past decade.

"I've won every year," he said with a modest laugh.

He also had the thrill of playing on stage with Paul McCartney two years ago, he added.

But the piping and drumming won't be the only highlight of the Highland Games, he said, noting about 20 bands in total will be on hand belting out 'Scotland the Brave' and other tunes.

As in the past, there will be highland dancing, dog and livestock exhibitions, a British car show, as well as several vendors. The professional-class heavy games (including caber, stone and weight tosses, as well as hammer and weight throws) begin Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and the same time on Sunday in the amateur class. Highland dancing kicks off at the same times as the heavy competitions.

The festival is a huge draw every year and more than 10,000 tickets were sold in 2007, with many U.S. residents crossing the border to check out the event that has "a tremendous economic impact on Uxbridge, its businesses and surrounding area," reads a release on the games.

Organizers say a portion of proceeds will go to local hospitals and WindReach Farm.

"The Games are non-profit and almost entirely volunteer-run, making this a true community event in the best sense," reads the release.

Along with the 'Tartan Terrors', who have entertained guests in the past, 'Poor Angus' will join the lineup of entertainment this year, said Mr. Harrison. He said the latter act won the 2007 Hamilton Music Award for folk/traditional recording of the year and has opened for such well-known bands as The Proclaimers and Blue Rodeo.

Parking at the event is free this year and regular admission to the Friday night Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee), featuring musical entertainment at 7:30 p.m., is $20, with a $25 entry charge for Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are available at www.highlandsofdurhamgames.com or in advance at Blue Heron Books, Mason Hogue Gardens, Ruf 'n Readi (all in Uxbridge), The Wee Tartan Shop in Port Perry, White Heather Scottish Bakery in Whitby, and Wilson and Lee Music Store in Oshawa.

If tickets are purchased by July 18 the buyer receives $5 off the regular price, said Mr. Harrison.

---