One week from tonight, the first events of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will be held.

On Thursday, a picnic, Scottish entertainment, and sheep herding will begin at 4:30 p.m.

At 7:00 p.m., over 900 runners will participate in this year’s installment of the Bear, which is a five-mile footrace up Grandfather Mountain.

After the conclusion of the Bear, a torchlight ceremony will welcome each of the participating clans to the games.

Friday’s events will feature a Highland wrestling clinic for children, the very popular Celtic Music Jam, and several other events.

Most of the games will be held on Saturday with a Celtic Rock Concert to follow.

Sunday is the last day of the Highland Games and will include a Scottish worship service, a Scottish fiddling competition, and other events.

More information about the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games can be found online at www.GMHG.org.

Pictured is 24-year-old Eric Frasure, of Greenville.  He was named the Scottish Athlete of last year's games.

(Photo courtesy of Phillip Greene)