Highland Games set for Saturday at CTMHV

With a new, permanent home, the organizers for the Kingsville-Essex Highland Games are busy putting the finishing touches on this weekend’s event.

Set for Saturday, June 22 at the Canadian Transportation Museum at Heritage Village, the event promises plenty of Scottish traditions including bands, heavy events, dancing and sheep herding.

The annual 5k run usually associated with the Highland Games will not take place this year due to some logistical issues, but the games are set to kick off Saturday morning with the annual Haggis Hurl, where local dignitaries will gather to throw the national dish of Scotland for distance.

Highland Games chair Doug Plumb is thrilled with the new location.

“There is so much room here for us, and they’ve done everything to accommodate us,” said Plumb. “And there is tons of parking.”

Plumb says that extra room should allow them to accommodate more visitors, and at the same time, those visitors will also visit the museum and grounds.

Gates will open at 8 am with solo piping starting at 8:30. The popular heavy events get underway at 9 am alongside the always popular tug-of-war competition.

At 10 am, the blessing of the keg takes place, with the opening of the beer pavilion.

At 10:30 am, the Mayor’s Haggis Hurl will get underway and the official opening ceremony will occur at 12 noon.

The afternoon will witness more ongoing heavy events and pipe band competitions, with sheep herding demonstrations and highland dance competitions.

The weekend will also feature a Jacobite encampment and the Rangers of Govannas — a medieval martial arts group demonstrating their craft, a Scottish tearoom, as well as a beer pavilion for those who want to get out of the heat.

Plumb credits a stellar cast of volunteers for the event’s success and says they’ve really gone all-out this year with the inclusion of the CTMHV members.

“Our loyal volunteers have been amazing,” he says. “I feel blessed with the great committee I have,” he said.

Be sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets and an umbrella to stay comfortable. It’s a rain or shine event.

Children 12 and under are admitted free, while adults pay $25 for entry, seniors (60+) pay $20.

Tickets are available at the front gate and they will accept cash, debit or credit card at the gate.

The Canadian Transportation Museum at Heritage Village is located at 6155 Arner Townline, between the Third and Fourth concessions.