Fiddles, pipes and drums fill the air at the Glengarry Highland Games

John MacGillis
Fiddles, pipes and drums fill the air at the Glengarry Highland Games
Lachlan and Cael McCormick celebrating the 72nd year of the Highland Games by checking out some of the vendors (John MacGillis/ Seaway News).

MAXVILLE, Ontario – Thousands of kilt-clad spectators celebrated Scottish heritage at the Glengarry Highland Games on Aug. 2 by taking in Scottish sporting events, food, music and dancing.

The two-day event consists of pipers, fiddlers, dancers and heavyweight competitions throughout the fair grounds. This hasn’t always been the case, according to Paddy Kelly of The Brigadoons, who will be opening the highland games on Friday evening with current and former members of the band.

“The games have really evolved since I started playing at them in the 1980s,” said Kelly, “The games were generally just a one-day event in the 80s or so, but over the years more and more events fill the day, including more great events like women’s heavyweight competition.”

Other events taking place on Saturday include the Massed Pipe Bands, whiskey tastings, Clans Parade, highland Dancing and Tug of War, among other events according to a press release. The Glengarry Highland Games is also the home of the North American Pipe Band Championships.

“The games have had so much success since their beginnings and we’re glad we got to come along for the ride,” said Kelly.

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