The celebration began with of course the Saturday morning parade. We found a perfect spot underneath a large tree, near the middle of the parade. It was actually located where the parade route turned off of 6000 West and onto 10400 North and gave us the advantage of seeing ahead of the turn what was next in the parade procession.
This year only Gabe and Rachel were able to join us for the parade. It's always difficult with everyone's schedules and activities to round up our troops up for the celebration. We miss those who were unable to attend because of their many responsibilities and commitments, but understand and hope that next year we can celebrate with each of them too.
Gabe was a hoot to watch as the different entries passed by. He would clap for the entries and throw his hands into the air with excitement. After careful observation of the entries and particularly those entries that tossed candy to the spectators, Gabe, managed to convince mom that they too should venture out closer to the actual parade route and entries to capture some sugar themselves. 
It didn't take long as you can see and a handful of candy was acquired and the begging for sugar began. After all the chasing for candy, Gabe was worn out and ready for a nap. The advantages of a small community parade, it's only one hour long!
While Gabe napped, Cheryl and I took the opportunity to go the the festivities and observe the games of our ancestors, the Scottish Heavy Games. Here large muscular men in kilts demonstrated their brute strength. Events included the hammer throw, the log throw and the weight carry event. We enjoyed observing the competition but even more enjoyable was talking to the participants and finding out how they got involved in this type of competition, where they have been, and their lineage. Yes, we did also find out what the Scotsman has under his kilt...socks and shoes.
Later in the afternoon we had some lunch and then went back to the park to sightsee and window shop at the booths. Concluded the day with the fireworks show that night, and best of all, though debatable by some within the family, is that we had a front row seat from our own driveway. 
Our new home provides the perfect seat for the fireworks show and we could sit in our driveway and see everything as if we were right there underneath the fireworks themselves.
We have been celebrating with Highland in some fashion or another for the past 16 years that we have lived here. We love the community and we love the people here. It's been a wonderful place to raise our children and we will continue to gather as a family in the future and celebrate our community and our time together as family.
