The 151st edition of the Antigonish Highland Games is well underway in the northern Nova Scotia town.

Every July, the sound of bagpipes, the colour and grace of highland dancing, and healthy competition brings friends, families, and tourists to Columbus Field.

The event started in 1863 and is the longest-running continuous Scottish games in North America.

Organizers say the Antigonish Highland Games hit a rough spot in the early 1960s, but the community was determined to keep the tradition alive.

“There was a real initiative on the part of the people and I think it’s the pride of the Scottish people, we can’t let this go,” says Highland Games chair Liz Chisholm.

A major highlight at the games each year is the Scottish heavyweight event - a true competition of strength and skill.

Now, a new generation of competitors is learning those skills, ensuring the event will continue on in the future.

“Father Doug was down our way and he started showing interest in it and we had our First Annual Margaree Highland Games and after that, I just liked the sport, so I got into it,” says junior heavyweight competitor Jessie LeBlanc.

“This is the future of the whole games,” says judge Marty Gilfoy. “Some of the guys in the senior program came through the junior program. This is the future of the games.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Highland Games without the number one Scottish fashion accessory – the kilt.

“Men in kilts are always handsome, no matter how old, or how young, or what shape they’re in,” says tourist Lynn Yackinec.       

“They’re not a lot hotter than wearing anything else,” says kilt maker Mac MacIsaac. “They’re quite cool and breezy, as a matter of fact, so they’re quite comfortable to wear.”

The Highland Games continue this weekend. They will wrap up with a closing ceilidh at 4 p.m. Sunday.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh