LINCOLN — The thrill of Scottish pipes and the throb of drums greeted thousands of visitors to the 37th annual Highland Games and Festival Saturday at Loon Mountain in Lincoln.

The morning started chilly and foggy, “a traditional Scottish day” according to one events announcer, but turned bright and sunny in time for the opening ceremonies.

Tartan waved in front of more than 60 clan tents, and the smell of traditional Scottish fare — haggis (meat and gravy), shepherd's pie and fish and chips — filled the crowded thoroughfare.

Professional athletes from all over the world laughed and encouraged each other as they warmed up for traditional Scottish games.

“The level of sportsmanship with these athletes is incredible, best in the world,” the announcer told the crowd. The caber toss and stone throw were crowd favorites.

The festival also included demonstrations in harp, fiddle and Scottish country dancing. Adults could go to “whisky tastings,” and kids enjoyed crafts and storytelling events.

Organizers said they expected 30,000 to 40,000 visitors over the three-day event, which ends today. With Saturday's weather, they were well on the way to meeting that number.

Visitors browsed the vendor tents for traditional Scottish pins, hats and tartan, and then gathered for the traditional Clan Parade and Roll Call.

The opening ceremony and Massing of the Bands followed, featuring more than 30 pipes and drums bands from all over the United States and Canada, including New Hampshire Pipes and Drums and the Border Patrol Pipes and Drums band.

“I love hearing the pipes — they're hauntingly beautiful,” one woman said.

Another highlight of the day was the drum major competition with the Carnegie Mellon Pipes and Drums Band providing musical background.

Each drum major's dress was inspected head to toe before being allowed into the marching section of the competition. Competitors had “dressers” to help make sure seams were straight, socks pulled up and all was in place.

“Wait, you have a piece of lint on your shoulder,” one told their drum major. “You've got to look good in your tartan.”

Cheryl Paradis of Mont Vernon talked to Scottish drum majors Tom Sawyer of Bar Harbor, Maine, and Ernie Paulick of Bad Axe, Mich., about their uniforms.

“Each stripe on my sleeve is three years of being a drummie,” Sawyer told her. So 21 years?

“Twenty-six years — I have to add another one,” he said. When when he completes another year, he'll get another stripe, signifying 27 years.

Sawyer explained everything had a traditional purpose — tall hats and epaulets made men look bigger to intimidate enemies, and decorative daggers once served as personal protection.

“I just wanted to see them in the flesh,” Paradis said. “It's so fascinating — everything they wear means something. This has just been a great experience.”

Highland Games and Festival is organized by the New Hampshire Gathering of the Clans, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to continuing the Gaelic culture and furthering the music, dance, athletics and customs of the Scottish people. For more information, go to nhscot.org.

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Kristi Garofalo may be reached at kgarofalo@newstote.com.