The Road To The Highland Games

As the days finally grow warmer and thoughts turn to taking part in some of the area’s great summer events, the first one that comes to the minds of many is the Glengarry Highland Games. This year’s Games on July 30th and 31st in Maxville offers an especially exciting lineup that will appeal to a great many people. What follows gives a snapshot of a few highlights that await everyone at this year’s Games.

Canada’s Auditor General Will Officially Open the Games
The Games did not have to look far afield to find this year’s Guest of Honour. Ms. Sheila Fraser, the Auditor General of Canada, and a native of nearby Dundee, Quebec has graciously agreed to officially open the Games on July 31, 2010. The Games consider it an honour to have Ms. Fraser’s presence at the Games as we celebrate our Scottish heritage and traditions. Ms. Fraser joins a long line of distinguished Canadians including four Prime Ministers who have officiated at the Games ceremonies.

Scocha Comes Back Over From Scotland
Two years ago, Scocha, a celtic band from Hawick, Scotland wowed the Tattoo crowds on Friday night, and until a terrible summer storm cut short their Saturday afternoon show, gave an outstandingly great performance in the Tent. The Games is happy to announce that Scocha will be returning to this year’s Games where the band hopes to add to its swelling fan base as well as greet the many followers coming back to see and hear them. Scocha, billed as Scotland’s premier celtic band, has the crowd tapping and clapping at one moment, then hushed and solemn in the next ,and all delivered with heart and passion.

The Games Celebrates the Year of the Fiddle
When Fiddler Donaldson MacLeod took over at the helm as Games President, it was no surprise that this year’s Games would celebrate the Year of the Fiddle. Fiddlers will be gathering from Scotland, Cape Breton and Glengarry to create one of best fiddle ceilidhs to be found anywhere. Kimberley Fraser an internationally known young fiddler from Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association, and the Elgin Strathspey and Reel Society from Scotland will all join with Glengarry’s own talented fiddlers for many special fiddle moments during the Games.

A Strong Field Competes in the Highland Competitions
In the Highland Competitions, the heavyweight events will present strong fields in the women’s, amateur and professional competitions with many defending champions returning to vie for the titles. On Friday, Mindy Pockowski from Las Vegas, NV and Josee Morneau from Winnipeg, MN will return to duel for top spot in the Women’s events. Saturday’s Professional event will see Greg Hadley from Antigonish, NS, defend his title against a full field including local competitor, Jason Baines from Dalkeith. A new Intermediate heavyweight event on Saturday afternoon will allow those between 13 to18 years to try their skills in these traditional Scottish athletics.

The Highland Dancing events will see over two hundred competitors of all ages on Friday and Saturday. A competition of special interest will be the “Glengarry Highland Games Open Championship”on Saturday where dancers from across North America will compete for this prestigious award.

The Tug of War re-introduced to the Games a few years ago, has proven to be a popular event. Again this year, highland regiments led by Glengarry’s own SD&G Highlanders will take to the field on Saturday afternoon to vie for the Challenge Cup.

Patron’s Program Supported by Bank of Nova Scotia
With this year’s contributions, the Bank of Nova Scotia in Maxville will mark ten years of matching Games Patron’s Program donations. That means that anyone who goes to the Bank this week to renew or join the Patron’s Program at any level, will have that amount matched by the bank. The Bank is proud to report that each year the $5000 limit has been reached. What a committed community partner for the Highland Games!

Many people have joined the Patrons’ Program and know the rewards of being an active partner with one of North America’s biggest celtic events. Through their contributions, patrons have ensured that future Games will benefit from continued upgrades to services and improved facilities fitting for this world-class festival.

For further information on becoming a Patron whether Bronze or Gold and for more details on all aspects of the 2010 Games, visit www.glengarryhighlandgames.com

Click here for information on other news and upcoming events in Cornwall and Seaway Valley.