Kingsville Highland Games return in big fashion

The Highland Games returned to Kingsville on Saturday, June 25 with about 2,000 people walking through the gates of Lakeside Park to watch the allday events.

Right out of the gate, participants in the 5K Kilt Run were on the course and getting their early exercise, followed by the heavy events, tug of war, dancers and other festivities.

Participants in the 5k Kilt Run finish up the course in the lower bowl of Lakeside Park.

Photos by Deanna Bertrand and Mark Ribble

The heavy events featured heavy stone, hammer throw, heavy weights and the always popular caber toss, with both local and visiting competitors performing feats of sheer strength.

Celine Gibb of Windsor won the Ladies Caber Toss with a perfect throw of the 50-foot caber.

Photos by Deanna Bertrand and Mark Ribble

The tug-of-war featured a half dozen teams competing in a round-robin format, with the final two teams squaring off for top honours. When the dust settled (literally), Vitella Plumbing of Windsor bested the Windsor Police in a hard-fought pull for the championship.

Members of F-45 Training strain to hold their ground in an early round of the Tug of War. Vitella Plumbing emerged champion with a hard-fought pull over Windsor Police.

Photos by Deanna Bertrand and Mark Ribble

Many food and merchandise vendors filled the upper level of the park, while the events took place in the lower bowl.

Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche took the title in the Mayors Haggis Hurl, defeating defending (and outgoing) champion Nelson Santos.

Meloche took a unique approach to his hurl by carrying the haggis in his mouth before hurling it, which seemed to give him the edge.

Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald was among the competitors, along with Shad Grieve, honourary Mayor of Cottam.

Highland dancers competed under a tent, which served them well to stay out of the heat of the day, and large marching bands — complete with bagpipes — filled the park much of the day.

Callaghan McCarthy of Essex and Katie Lindsay of Ingersoll get airborne as part of their highland sword dance routine.

Photos by Deanna Bertrand and Mark Ribble

Pipe band participation was down according to organizers, mostly due to being unable to travel or practice much for the past two years.”

Members of the London Fire Fighters Pipe Band march during the festivities at the park.

Photos by Deanna Bertrand and Mark Ribble

“Many of the pipe bands come from the U.S. and were not prepared to cross the border yet,” said event organizer Doug Plumb. “Overall, we had picture perfect weather and our volunteers were fantastic and much appreciated.”

The sheep herding demonstrations showed the audience the discipline and work ethic of the border collie.

Viki Kidd puts her Border Collie “Jones” through a demonstration of sheepherding.

Photos by Deanna Bertrand and Mark Ribble

Despite the heat, the large crowds enjoyed the events and the ceilidh (gathering and entertainment tent) was teeming with people well into the night.