Want to feel truly Celtic even if you are not? Come celebrate all things Scottish. From the lilting steps of Highland dancers to the melodies of the bagpipes, you'll find it all at the Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games. This annual event has held a place in the hearts and minds of both the Scottish descendants in Gatlinburg and visitors for nearly 3 decades. This year, the 30th annual event looks to continue this fine tradition.

The Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games takes place on May 13 and 14, 2011. This weekend celebration sees the clans gathering once more within scenic Mills Park. The backdrop of the beautiful Smoky Mountains conjures up visions of the Highlands, creating the ideal atmosphere. Be prepared to embrace the Scottish heritage you may (or may not) have in your blood, as you gather for the early morning parade. This marks the start of a fun-filled, colorful event for the entire family.

The parade assembles at Stop Light Number 10 in the city of Gatlinburg. All people of Scottish ancestry are asked to join the march. You can stand and watch, as the parade winds down the Parkway. Or, join the fun by proudly waving your clan's crest and colors. It's all part of the local commitment to honoring a strong Celtic heritage in the Smokies. Afterward, discover your own Scottish ancestry at one of the many clan booths.

According to tradition, the Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games honors a different clan annually. This year, it's the Clan MacLaren. This fierce, proud, warrior clan had many enemies, but forged a marriage with the powerful Clan Stuart. You'll feel the Scottish pride and strength surge when the pipe and drum corps play, battling it out in a intense competition.

And what would a Scottish festival be without Highland dancers? Be there when the finest dancers from across the United States take the stage to compete for honor and trophies.

What other fun awaits you? There are feats of strength and skill, as professional and amateur athletes vie for prizes and bragging rights in various traditional events. See them tossing the caber or wrestle, Highland style. They will hurl the haggis, throwing it with both speed and accuracy, while standing atop a traditional whiskey barrel. Various athletes will also engage in stone putting, weight toss and even the Scottish hammer throw.

Humans are not the only athletes on show this day. Watch how border collies herd sheep. Talk to their trainers and discover more about the history of these beautiful and intelligent dogs before you see them display their highly tuned (and completely amazing) skills right before your eyes.

The entire event is filled with the best Scotland has to offer from meals of haggis, delicious shortbread and other delicious foods to booths selling traditional Celtic wares.

Explore music CDs, handcrafted fine silver jewelry, books, custom-knitted sweaters and other fine examples of Scottish clothing. These make excellent presents and souvenirs of a day, or two, well spent.

The Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games is a celebration that draws out the Celtic tendencies in you. Come discover a distinct cultural heritage you may not have otherwise known about. When you get your Scot on, you are bound for fun on an international scale.