by Chris Hunt

The Scottish Heavy Athletic Competition returns for the 18th annual Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, which are set for April 15-17. Huntersville native Eric Frasure will defend his world record sheaf toss and challenge Larry Brock, who won the 2010 International Highland Games Federation Heavy Events World Championships in British Columbia last May.

Frasure’s effort in the sheaf toss at the 2010 Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games set a world record with a height of 36 feet, 1 inch. Frasure will also compete in the caber toss, the six-pound hammer throw, the 28-pound weight throw, the clachneart, the 56-pound weight toss for height, the 56-pound weight throw for distance and the 22-pound hammer throw.

The Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games offer entertainment for the entire family, including amateur heavy athletics, piping and drumming, highland dancing, Scottish country dancing, harp and fiddle competitions, children’s activities, demonstrations and Rural Hill’s famous historic encampment. Returning this year are the Kids Zone with bungee Flex Flying, bounce houses and the popular Celtic Rock Music Stage, which will feature a Saturday-evening concert. For more information, advanced ticket purchases or registration for the Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, visit www.­ruralhillscottishfestivals.net.