The return of the Kingsville Highland Games didn’t skip a beat as a huge crowd enjoyed a beautiful June 27 to appreciate all of the richness of Scottish culture.
Finding a new home on the grounds of Ruthven’s Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, the games drew visitors from afar with its offerings of heavy events, dance, pipe bands, traditional food, and the tartans of many Scottish clans for sale.
Chairman of the Kingsville Highland Games, Doug Plumb, could be found zipping around the grounds in a golf cart ensuring that all was running according to plan. Making a quick pit stop, Plumb said, “We broke a record for sales in this year’s games. The weather, you couldn’t ask for more. The venue is top-notch and our host, Colasanti’s, has been spectacular.”
These Highland Games are gaining quite a reputation as teams from Nova Scotia and Northern Ireland made their way here to compete in the highly anticipated tug of war competition.
Competition wasn’t confined to the rope pullers as competitions for dance, heavy events, piping and drumming took place over the entire day.
On a lighter note, demonstrations for sheep herding and shearing could be observed, and the always-popular haggis hurl crowned a new champion this year, Mayor of Amherstburg Michael Prue.
Colours and camaraderie ended the games with an impressive collection of mass bands entertaining those who remained for the finale of the Scottish celebration.
Some novice dancers begin their routine in the dance tent on the grounds of Colasanti’s.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Dennis Rogers attempted to defend his title in the haggis hurl. He came up a bit short, as Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue was crowned this year’s champ.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Pictured is the beginning of a sheep shearing demonstration, a traditional rural skill with Scottish roots.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Ian Linch warmed up by the Town of Kingsville tent before a team piping contest.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
World-Class Masters competitor Michael Dibbley lets out a roar as he competes in the hammer throw, one of many tosses in the heavy events competition.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
