Highland dancers perform at Athena City Park on July 13, 2019, during the Athena Caledonian Games. This year’s Scottish heritage event is Saturday, July 8 in Athena.

ATHENA — Ceud mile failte — a hundred thousand welcomes — await those who attend the Athena Caledonian Games.

With a focus on Scottish traditions, the festival kicks off with a parade on Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. on Main Street. A welcoming ceremony follows at 10:15 a.m. at Athena City Park.

Visitors are encouraged to come in their kilts and enjoy the celebration in and around the park. Admission is free.

Sue Friese, recently retired Caledonian president, said the association continues to rebuild the celebration since the global pandemic. In addition to vendor booths, park activities include the sharing of poems and stories (10:40 a.m. and 1 p.m.), a car show (11 a.m.), Pets, Bikes and Trikes Parade (11:30 a.m.) and family games (1:30 p.m.). But there’s more.

“After many years without sheep, we are excited to present three sheepdog demonstrations,” Friese said. “Those bright, capable dogs will work the sheep … as they respond to the handler’s whistle.”

Watch the dogs in action at 10:25 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.

The Boise Highlanders are bringing a small group of pipers, drummers and dancers. After marching into the park, Friese said they will show off their flashy kilts several times throughout the day.

Endalos, a Celtic folk band from the Oregon coast, will perform at 10:40 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

At noon, the athletic contests feature highland games that utilize skills based on Scottish history and farm life. A sanctioned event, men and women from across the Pacific Northwest — including masters and novice divisions — compete in such activities as the hammer throw, Braemar stone, sheaf toss and caber toss.

Pre-registration deadline has passed, but walk-ons may be able to participate with on-site registration ($35) and check-in at 10:45 a.m.

The games are held in the fields adjacent to the park. For questions, email Athletic Director Alan Wernsing at alanwernsing@yahoo.com.

In recent years, the Bonniest Knees Contest has become a part of the Caledonian tradition. Past winners include Pastor Delbert Durfee of Athena and James Bane from Enterprise.

The most convenient garb to enter the competition is a kilt, however, Friese said contestants can wear shorts or roll up their pant legs at 2:15 p.m. to compete. Be warned, the judge is blindfolded and determines the winner by touch.

And be sure to stop by the Caledonian booth to view a copy of the recently published “Tell It To Me Again: Sharing Athena’s Scottish History.” The book features stories and photos of area families and Caledonian. Those placing an order will receive a discount.

Be sure to stop by the Caledonian booth to see “Tell It To Me Again: Sharing Athena’s Scottish History” with stories and photos of area families and Caledonian. Those placing an order will receive a discount.

The day closes with a candle lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Hesketh Rose Garden. And at 4:30 p.m., a pipers’ farewell will depart from the grounds.

For more information, search www.facebook.com/athena.caledonian.7 or www.athenacaledonian.org. For questions, email athenacaledoniangames@gmail.com or call 541-566-3880.