Highland Games returning to Kingsville

By Mark Ribble

KINGSVILLE — After a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, it’s full steam ahead for the Kingsville Highland Games.

The games — a summertime staple in Kingsville in the 1970s and ’80s — make their triumphant return on June 25, 2022.

The Highland Games were first brought back to Kingsville in 2019 and attracted more than 6,000 people to Lakeside Park. The goal this year is to surpass that number.

According to games committee chair, Doug Plumb, the one-day event will feature all of the old favourites, like Celtic dancing and music, a 5K Kilt Run, pipe bands and the crowd favourite, the heavy events.

The heavy events include the caber toss, hammer throw, stone throw and of course, the tug-owar.

Local competitor Mike Dibbley gets ready to throw a stone at the 2019 Highland Games.

Food, vendors, a clan village and a beer tent with live entertainment are also planned.

“It’s truly a community event,” says Plumb. “We’re trying to keep this affordable for families to come out and enjoy it all.”

Plumb says that early-bird tickets are already on sale and moving quite briskly. Cost is only $15 per person if you buy before April 30. Cost after April 30 is $20. Kids under 14 are admitted for free.

“It’s an event put on purely by a group of volunteers as a committee of council,”, he noted.

The town has thrown its support behind the event and recognizes the history behind the Scottish heritage in this area. The Town of Kingsville is the official sponsor of the Highland Games.

Highland Games date back to the 11th century and Scots have been coming to Windsor and Essex County since the days of the fur trade.

These young dancers were part of the festivities at the 2019 Kingsville Highland Games.

SUN file photos

“There’s been great enthusiasm and support from the community for the return of the Highland Games, and we’re certainly looking forward to seeing a little piece of Kingsville’s history return to Lakeside Park,” stated Mayor Nelson Santos about their return in 2019. “The committee and staff are working hard to keep the tradition and spirit of the games in the forefront, and it’s shaping up to be a fun, family outing that everyone will enjoy.”

Santos will be competing in the Haggis Hurl, which will pit local dignitaries against each other in tossing haggis across the field in Lakeside Park.

The night before the event, there will be a ‘Blessing of the Keg’ as Kingsville Brewery, Banded Goose and The Grove are all planning on creating a beer specifically for the games. Pelee Island Winery also plans a commemorative bottle of wine.

The games will open at 8:30 am with a massed bands parade and highland fling, as pipe and drum bands — along with Celtic dancers — take to the main field.

The Scottish Athletic Heavy Events will follow, along with the 5K Kilt Run and the Tug-O-War. A sheep herding event will bring joy to the faces of those in attendance, and the Mayors’ Haggis Hurl will get lots of attention. There will be lots of activities for lads and lasses, as well as the clan village and ‘Kitchen Party Ceilidh’ (pronounced Kaylee) featuring The Mudmen and the Steel City Rovers.

Since parking is very limited around Lakeside Park, Plumb says they’ve got a shuttle service ready to pick up and drop off.

“We want people to be able to get back and forth,” he says. “The shuttle will run all day long.”

He says to bring your own lawnchairs or blanket to enjoy the day’s festivities at Lakeside Park.

“It’s good to be able to present the games this year,” said Doug Plumb. “A lot of work goes into it and we love to see the smiles on people’s face.”

More information is available at kingsville. ca/highlandgames or look for them on Facebook. You can also purchase advance tickets at Kingsville Arena.