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Axemen race to complete a chopping challenge. Photo: ALICE PARMINTER

Sounding the pipes

Continuous rain wasn’t enough to deter participants at this year’s Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo. Despite the dreary conditions, the events proceeded mostly as normal, although the Highland Dancing competition was relocated to the nearby Scout Hall. The crowd of onlookers was smaller than expected, but there was plenty for them to see, including the heavyweight field events, the Axemen’s Chopping Carnival, solo pipers and pipe bands. The Evening Tattoo also went ahead, and those who braved the weather were treated to a Scottish-themed three-hour extravaganza featuring the massed pipe bands, caber toss, and farmer’s walk. ALICE PARMINTER headed along to watch.

The Papakura Pipe Band strut their stuff. Photo: ALICE PARMINTER
The winners of the Irish Dancing under-9 category take the stage. Photo: ALICE PARMINTER
The Bay of Plenty Pipes and Drums band. Photo: ALICE PARMINTER
A heavyweight competitor pitches his shot in the 14lb Sheaf Toss. Photo: ALICE PARMINTER
Musician Harris Elliot-Hogg entertains on the Variety Stage. Photo: ALICE PARMINTER