HIGHLAND GAMES MAKES TOP 100 EVENTS LIST AGAIN (published in the Daily Gleaner, October 05/10)

The annual New Brunswick Highland Games Festival has been named as one of the Top 100 Events in North America in 2011 by the American Bus Association.

The association describes the games as excellent entertainment for tour groups and individual travellers.

"This designation provides the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival and the city of Fredericton visibility among professional tour planners," said games spokeswoman Karen Freeman in a news release.

She said the festival's mission is to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture by bringing together hundreds of musicians, dancers, athletes, performers and enthusiasts.

"We look forward to hosting more tours as a result of this designation," said Freeman.

Peter Pantuso, president and CEO of the American Bus Association, said in a release that the games are a don't-miss entertainment value.

The association launched its top 100 in 1982. It distributes 10,000 copies every year of its Top 100 Events in North America magazine featuring the winners.

Among the events named in 2010 were: the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Quebec Winter Carnival and the Vectren Dayton Air Show in Vandalia, Ohio.

Studies show that one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave up to US$13,000 in a local economy.