MAXVILLE, Ontario – The Glengarry Highland Games will be virtual once again this year, but there is still plenty to see and do from afar to for those looking to find that traditional Highland feel. The virtual Games begin virtually Friday, July 30. For full information on how to view and participate please visit the Glengarry Highland Games website.
The following is a press release from the Glengarry Highland Games detailing what’s on offer this year:
This year’s virtual line up will air during the days of the Games, Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, as we present a combination of some things old and some things new. If you missed last year’s Virtual Games concert, then you will have another opportunity this year to gather all the clan together for a wee ceilidh and watch the show. The token toss and the massed highland fling will be back for your viewing pleasure as well as a few clips on the past heroes of the heavyweights.
Pipers Compete Online
Some new features will be aired and will interest a lot of our Games fans. If you are missing the sound of the pipes, the Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) is presenting a Glengarry Highland Games online contest for solo piping and drumming open to all its members. The final results of the competition will be streamed live at the traditional time of the closing massed bands on Saturday, July 31.
Scottish Fiddlers Entertain
Last Sunday, many of Glengarry’s finest fiddlers gathered at the Metcalfe Centre in Maxville to put together a Scottish Fiddle concert which will premiere on the Saturday of the Games. Check out this show for a listen to some of your favourite fiddlers plus a bonus performance by the Glengarry Massed Fiddlers. You’ll recognize some of your friends and neighbours as you enjoy the show. The concert organizers promise a few surprise guests as well.
Just A Wee Dram Tasting
What would a Highland Games be without a Scotch tasting? This year we won’t disappoint our fans and are offering a virtual Scotch Tasting. Everything will be on Zoom except the Scotch. That will be delivered to participants by some of our Games volunteers before the tastings. Frank McDonald, a well-known Scotch tastings expert along with guest presenter, Steven Rankin, live from Scotland, invite you to enjoy a virtual scotch tasting on Saturday August 7 at 4:00 pm. For $40, participants will sample six different expressions from Gordon and McPhail owned by the Urquhart family of Benromach fame and learn more about the history of the company and the background of each sample. Spaces are limited. Check the Games social media for more details.
Connecting With the Games in Person
Get Your Souvenirs
As the Covid restrictions lessen in Stage 3, there will be more opportunities to gather together and celebrate our Games and our celtic heritage. For those who need to update their Games gear, there will be Games souvenirs available at the Fairgrounds on July 24 and 25. Get there early as sizes may be limited and everyone will want to look their best for the return of the Games in 2022.
Play A Round of Golf and Support the Games
Our Annual Golf Tournament is on this year at a new date. Join us at the Glengarry Golf Club on August 6 for a day of sport, camaraderie, food and fun. The course is in great shape and what better way to celebrate together than in a friendly game of golf. Entry fee is $120 per person which includes golf and cart, lunch, special hole surprises and more. Many groups have already signed up but there is still room for more. Don’t forget to wear your tartan proudly.
Concerts, Sports and More To Come
The Games will be giving you more opportunities to join us over the month of August but we are still working with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to make sure these events are offered in a safe manner. Details will be released as soon as the green light is given to go ahead.
Stay tuned and follow our Games social media for more ways to celebrate the spirit of the Games and to keep that celtic feeling flowing until we meet in 2022.
