Let the games begin.

Those were the four words shared early Saturday afternoon, July 6, as thousands of locals and tourists alike converged in King's Park for the return of the Penticton Scottish Festival.

A blazing sun and region-wide heat warning didn't stop large crowds from taking in the ninth annual edition of the festival, which featured bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing and caber toss battles.

"We look forward to this event because it's such a great time that's had by everybody," said Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield, who was joined on stage for an opening ceremony by other elected officials and community leaders.

Along with hosting Scottish-themed athletics, the festival featured live music, vendors, food trucks, and beverage gardens.

Tim Gladish, president of the Penticton Scottish Festival Society, said the event celebrates culture and represents unity.

"I'm so pleased to be part of this," he said, adding that this year's festival appeared to be on track to break attendance records and welcome more than 2,500 people.

"It's about bringing unity, celebrating our Scottish culture, and spreading it to everyone else."

Festivities kicked off Friday night when the world-renowned National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand marched into King's Park for a special performance. Around 250 people attended the annual opening concert, Gladish said.

But the event was also marked by audience participation, with people of all ages getting a chance to play unique sports and learn about Scottish culture at educational booths.

"This is just a wonderful event," the mayor said. "Celebrating different cultures and celebrating the nuances in those cultures is what binds Canada together."

Saturday's event kicked off at 8:30 a.m., with closing ceremonies and awards set to be handed out at 4:30 p.m.

"I hope we're going to set some records this year with turnout and keep growing," Gladish said.