Highland Games attracts competitors, spectators

GIVING IT A TRY

Tug of War course at the Kingsville Highland Games at Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Saturday, June 24. The kids were invited to try their hand at pulling the big rope under the watchful eye of members of the Essex-Kent Scottish Tug of War Team. The games attracted over 1,000 spectators in its first year at Jack Miner. More photos are on page 11. SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand

Under overcast skies on Saturday, June 24, the Kingsville Highland Games were held at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary, with over 1,000 people attending.

The grunts of those wielding the heavy hammers and cabers gave way to the countless bag pipers and drummers whose melodies filled Ty Cobb Field.

Several food vendors were kept busy serving up food for those in attendance, including the athletes who traveled from all over the province to compete with fellow Highland Games competitors.

The annual Mayors’ Haggis Hurl was won by Essex Member of Parliament Chris Lewis, who edged out Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers and Essex Member of Provincial Parliament Anthony Leardi in a ‘toss-off’. The three haggis hurlers were in a dead heat tie after the initial round of tossing the Scottish delicacy, so emcee Jim Crichton announced a tie-breaking toss-off.

Over on the Tug of War course, the Essex and Kent Scottish defeated the Celtic Cannolis in the final to win the big trophy and cash prize. Six teams competed with everyone having fun.

Other events included Highland Dance, Heavy Events, Sheep Herding, Massed Bands and the 5k Kilt Run, which was held throughout Kennedy Woods.

Committee Chair Doug Plumb was thrilled with the results.

“The day was fantastic,” he said. “We couldn’t have asked for better weather, attendance and competitor participation. Positive comments continue to pour in. We certainly had a great event and next year will be even better.”

Jack Miner Foundation Executive Director Tom Coke was equally as happy with the turnout.

“As Executive Director, I was absolutely delighted to see the amount of people at Ty Cobb watching and experiencing the games,” said Coke. “It was a great day, the weather cooperated and as you toured around the area, you saw a lot of happy faces.”

Photos by Deanna Bertrand and Mark Ribble

David St. Germain, left, stays just ahead of fellow Windsorite Duncan MacFarlane as they emerge from Kennedy Woods on the last leg of the annual 5k Kilt Run.

One of the competitors lets the heavy stone fly in the ladies division.

The Massed Bands included pipers and drummers from all over and of all ages.

Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers shows his haggis hurling form as Hilda MacDonald and Tracey Bailey look on.

The entire haggis hurling roster surrounds winner MP Chris Lewis. From left are MPP Anthony Leardi, Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti, Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, Kingsville Deputy Mayor and games committee member Kimberly DeYong, Lewis, Kingsville Councillor and game committee member Sheri Lowrie, Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers, LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald and Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue.

The sheep herding demonstrations were a popular event at the Kingsville Highland Games.

Highland dancers perform under the tent.

Members of the Essex and Kent Scottish pull hard in the final against the Celtic Cannolis. The ‘Scottish’ won the event to claim the Tug of War title for 2023.