Pipes will be piped and cabers will be tossed at Highland Games in Itasca

Some of Scotland's deepest traditions will be celebrated and most competitive games will be contested this weekend in Itasca.

The 28th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games will be open 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 20, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Itasca's Hamilton Lakes Business Park, Thorndale Avenue at I-355.

The games open Friday with the Highland Dance competition, a rugby exhibition and the crowing of the Heather Queen and her court.

The bulk of the games pick up Saturday with the Champion Supreme Piping and Drumming competition, the caber toss and the throwing of the 16-pound river rock known as clachneart.

The two-day fest also includes genealogy and cultural exhibits as well as children's activities including mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions.

Female competitors will compete in the Haggis Hurling contest while men will compete for the titles of Knobbliest Knees and Fastest Haggis Eater.

The festivities wrap up Saturday night with closing ceremonies and Massed Bands Show featuring 1,000 bagpipers and drummers, all joined to performing several traditional musical selections, including "Amazing Grace."