About a dozen Scottish clans will convene at the Greenbank Farm Saturday in a celebration of their rich and festive history.

The Whidbey Island Highland Games start 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and run all day.

The centerpiece of the games is competitions in four major areas, Highland Piping, drumming, dancing and traditional Scottish athletics.

Clans will be present with tents raised and open the attendees interested in receiving educational information related to event, said Jessica Larson, Highland Games president.

Visitors are invited to trace their ancestry as they stroll amongst the tents or enjoy browsing throughout the vendor shops, which display traditional Scottish clothing, literature, music and more.

“Athletics is really big this year,” Larson said. “We have over 30 different athletic competitors.

“That’s pretty big for an event our size.”

There are around a dozen different athletic events.

“The nice thing is they talk about them (during the event),” Larson said.

There will also be opportunities for children during the day.

Larson said kid-friendly events will mimic the adult games, but instead, for example, of throwing a giant pole, they’ll throw a teddy bear.

There will also be Scottish dancing competitions with about 30 or so competitors.

Larsen said the piping competition will be the smallest this year, with about a dozen or so competitors.

There will be four Scottish bands in addition to other bands performing on the main stage.

Bands include the Shifty Sailors, The Cummings Family and Maggie’s Fury.

Now in its 17th year, the Highland Games continues to grow in popularity, with participants coming from all over the country and  Canada.

“I think the athletes like the vibe of our event,” Larson said. “They like the venue.”

Organizers are anticipating 1,500 to 2,000 people to attend.

While the games is a family-friendly event, there will also be a beer garden for those childless visitors.

And new this year, the event will be open to those four-legged friends.

Larson said dogs on a leash will be allowed.

For more information about the Highland Games, go to www.wihg.org