It’s time to toss the caber and hammer

“For a’ that and a’ that,

It’s coming yet, for a’ that,

That man to man the warld o’er

Shall brothers be for a’ that.”

There’s a little Robert Burns to get you in the mood for the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering, July 28-29 in Enumclaw, Wash.

And what better way to celebrate the universal brotherhood and – begging the poet’s pardon – sisterhood of humanity than by tossing the caber and throwing the hammer? Not to mention getting everybody in a skirt.

According to organizers, the Highland Games hearken back at least to the 11th century, when King Malcolm Canmore, concerned with the timely delivery of the news, awarded a purse of gold, a sword and the title of King’s Messenger to the winner of a race to the top of Creag Choinnich.

One wonders why he didn’t get his lazy royal self out of bed and just pick up a newspaper at the Plaid Pantry.

Nevertheless, the tradition stuck and the Pacific Northwest manifestation of the games celebrates its 61st year staying true to the same mix that’s kept them going all this time: Scottish food and dancing, bagpipe bands and “old country field events.”

Featured performers for the weekend include Scottish balladeer Colin Grant-Adams, traditional Irish bard Ken O’Malley, Celtic rock band Tempest, and the pan-Celtic ensemble Iona.

If you’re one of those genealogy enthusiasts, the Avenue of the Clans and the Glen of the Clans may reveal some long-lost colorful relation.

A big fan of spending your money? They’ve got you covered there, too. The Hall of the Vendors offers up an array of Scottish goods like jewelry, “wench dresses,” weaponry, imported foods and the creations of several kilt makers.

“It’s not like kilt makers are a dime a dozen in most cities,” says Sharon McBride Ritelis, president of the Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association. “This gives you options. You can shop around.”

Over at the Scottish farm, the residents will moo, neigh or baa at you with a fine Scottish brogue, and the Celtic Kennel’s dogs will show you how Celtic breeds work and play.

There’s apparently nothing the Scots can’t turn competitive, so in addition to the athletic events, harp-players, pipers and dancers will go toe-to-toe all weekend.

Even in the face of all that rivalry, though, organizers will keep the ceremonial front and center on Saturday and Sunday with the massing of the pipes and drums, presentation of colors and parade of the clans. Saturday night’s big event, the Ceilidh, piles it on with music, sing-alongs, stories and country dancing.

No celebration of all things Scottish would be complete without a generous dose of haggis, and McBride Ritelis says they’ll have some on hand so the “staunch of heart can give it a go.”

The less staunch of heart will have to make do with meat pies, shepherd’s pie, sausage rolls, bangers, scones, shortbread and British-style fish and chips.

Adult admission runs $12 for a one-day and $18 for a two-day pass, with discounts for seniors, active military personnel and children.

Learn more at www.sshga.org or (206) 522-2541.

Watch your step

Portland’s Walking Tours has gone over to the dark side.

Starting today, the new “Beyond Bizarre” evening tour will take you out in search of ghosts, haunted passageways and other paranormal stuff. Organizers also promise to expose psychic hoaxes and guide you “until your blood runs cold.”

That sounds fun.

You’ll take what they call “ghost hunting equipment” along to the entrance of the underground Shanghai Tunnels, one of America’s Top 10 most haunted places, according to the Travel Channel. You’ll also pay a visit to the site of a deadly cholera outbreak (whoopee!) and a haunted hotel.

And as you go, your guide will attempt to spook you with “tales of dark secrets, strange rituals and things that go bump in the night.”

The family version starts at 7 p.m. each day. Adults in need of more “murderous mayhem, deadly debauchery and extreme weirdness” should show up at 10 p.m. on a Friday or Saturday.

Tickets start at a goose egg for the youngest among you and go up to $29 for the adults-only tour.

Look for details at www.portlandwalkingtours.com. Or call (503) 774-4522.

Regional events

“Ketchum Arts Festival, July 13-15, Ketchum, Idaho. This is the eighth run for Wood River Valley resident artists, musicians, chefs and brewmasters. (www.mountainangels.com/kaf.html/ 208-309-1960)

“Summerfest Along the Yellowstone, July 20-22, Livingston, Mont. Make your way to Livingston’s City Park for live music, activities for the kids, a beer garden, arts and crafts, food, swimming and more. (www.visitmt.com/ 406-222-8155)