By: Marilyn Meikle
Communications Coordinator, Montreal Highland Games
Participants and attendees have been waiting two long years for the return of The Montreal Highland Games. Wait no more! The Games will OPEN on the grounds of the Douglas Hospital, Sunday, July 31, 2022 after a hiatus due to COVID regulations. Expect enthusiastic crowds, the warmth of sunshine, the sound of pipes and drums, and cheers from the stands as the Games host the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation OPEN Championships – the preeminent competition for Heavy Athletes. Will records be broken? Will new champions be crowned?
Scott MacKenzie, President of the organization, is thrilled to see the Games back live and in person. “We held an online edition of the Games in 2021”, says Scott, “but we can’t wait to bring together Montrealers of all backgrounds to celebrate Scottish sport, music and culture. Nothing beats seeing the massed bands march across an OPEN field!” MacKenzie is grateful for the support of returning sponsors and patrons whose financial commitment to the Games keep entrance costs at a minimum and permit organizers to run a shuttle bus service from the closest Métro station directly to the site.
The sounds of Scotland in Montreal
The Celtic Mile will be OPEN with vendors offering an assortment of Scottish fare. There will be fiddle contests. Plenty of opportunities to meet with Clans who welcome members with OPEN arms, and of course the Family Village with bouncy castles and Wee Games for the kids! Tiny cabers, rocks and wee hammers being tossed by children outfitted in kilts – the perfect photo opportunity for parents of all cultures. Medieval combat will return as competitors swing their axes in a quest for glory. Kilts will swing too as dancers compete in flings on the Highland dance stage. The friendliest competition of all will be the Tug of War in support of the Douglas Hospital. All funds raised support mental health initiatives – donations can be made via the Games website.
Ever-popular band Mariner’s Curse, leads the entertainment in the Ceilidh Tent for an eclectic afternoon of Celtic and Canadiana music. A more sublime atmosphere can be found in the Patrons’ Pavilion just across the green where a full Scottish lunch will be served by the Burgundy Lion Pub.
OPEN your senses to the sights and the sounds of Scotland in Montreal! Join in the Montreal Highland Games – they are sure to be “pure dead brilliant”.
For full details see: www.montrealhighlandgames.com