Tens of thousands of spectators and competitors converged upon Maxville for the Glengarry Highland Games on Friday, August 4, and Saturday, August 5. Solo bagpipers and bands from across Canada and the United States competed. And on the field, heavyweight competitors showed their strength in the events that put the games in highland games. On stage, highland dancers demonstrated their talent.

Special recognition was given at this year’s games to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Canada’s national police force is celebrating its 150th anniversary. It was originally founded as the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) in 1873. The RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers and colour party played prominent roles in ceremonies held on August 4 and 5. Deputy Commissioner Bryan Larkin was in attendance both days of the games.

On Saturday, John Wensink was welcomed as the 2023 Glengarry Highland Games Guest of Honour. Wensink grew up in Maxville and had a 10-year career in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blue’s, Boston Bruins, Québec Nordiques, and Colorado Rockies.

The weather was perfect for both days of the games, making the outdoor event enjoyable for the many who attended.

This year’s solo piping and drumming events brought in a record number of entries so much so that the competitions had to be broken into two groups to facilitate judging. The 78th Fraser Highlanders won the North American Pipe Band Championship™ over former games champions, the 78 Highlanders (Citadel) from Halifax who came second and the City of Dunedin from Florida who took third place. It was the last games for the Fraser Highlanders before leaving to compete at the World Championships in Glasgow. It was their fourteenth win of the title since the band was formed in 1981. The Peel Regional Police completed a perfect Ontario season undefeated in Grade 2 before also making the journey to Scotland to compete at the worlds.

Fresh from his win of the Piobaireachd Society Gold Medal (Canada) the day before, Daniel Carr of Collingwood, Ontario, was the Professional Piper of the Day, and Hamilton, Ontario’s Cameron McKail was the Professional Snare Drummer of the Day. Results in all events will be
posted as they become available on the Games website and Facebook.

In 2024, the Glengarry Highland Games will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

Friday, August 4 at the Glengarry Highland Games. Photos: James Morgan

The 78th Fraser Highlanders marching before their musket review.
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard from Ottawa.
Young highland dancers competing.
Massed bands
A highland dancer standing before the massed bands. The RCMP Pipes and Drums are in the background to the left.
The Glengarry Massed Fiddlers, under the direction of Ian MacLeod, performed before Friday’s ceremony.
A short memorial ceremony was held to remember past contributors to the games
A piper in the massed band.
Glengarry’s own Quigley Highlanders entertaining.
RCAF and RCMP pipers marching.
RCMP colour party
RCMP highland dancers
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Bryan Larkin, left, giving the salute and authorization to open the games.
Sheaf toss
A piper in solo competition.
The South Glengarry Pipe Band entertaining games visitors.
Women’s heavyweight event
McCulloch Highland Dancers
McCulloch Highland Dancers

Saturday, August 5 at the Glengarry Highland Games. Photos: James Morgan

Band of the Ceremonial Guard from Ottawa.
Sheaf tossing for younger athletes.
Youth sheaf tossing
Clan Parade
Clan Parade
Clan Parade
The St. Edmund’s Pipes and Drums from Enders Island, Mystic Connecticut
Guest of Honour John Wensink
The Quinte West Air Force City Pipe Band from Trenton, Ontario.
Highland Regiments Tug of War
Highland Regiments Tug of War
Saturday ceremony
Massed bands
Massed bands.