Athletes, performers and vendors are preparing for one of the Midlands’ largest cultural events as the Tartan Day South festival returns this weekend.

Among them is Highland Games competitor Eric Frasure, who has been participating in the events since he was a teenager.

“I went to a Highland game in Clover the summer before my freshman year of high school,” Frasure said. “We got there early enough, and the athletic director looked at me and said, ‘How old are you?’ I said 14. He said, ‘You’re a big boy.’”

Frasure said his family discovered their Scottish heritage when he was younger and wanted to become more involved in the culture.

“Every time I went to the festival, I asked if I could try it, and they were always like, ‘Nah, it’s too late, man,’” he said.

Now, Frasure is preparing to compete in traditional Highland Games during the Tartan Day South, which will take place at the Cayce Speedway.

Those attending the event can watch traditional Highland Games like caber toss, hammer throw, stone put, weight for distance, weight for height, and sheaf toss.

Festival coordinator John Banks said the event celebrates National Tartan Day, a holiday created to recognize the contributions of Scottish and Irish Americans.

“It is actually a holiday created by our federal government to recognize the contributions of Scottish and Irish Americans,” Banks said.

Organizers expect between 10,000 and 14,000 people to attend, with a significant economic impact on the area.

“Generally, the festival has about a $1.2 million to $1.5 million impact over the weekend,” Banks said.

Saturday’s festivities will span about nine acres and include vendors, live music, dancers and Highland Games competitions.

Frasure said the crowd plays a big role in competition day.