The pipes are calling and all roads will lead to Maxville on July 31 and August 1 for the Glengarry Highland Games. Across North America, pipers and drummers are packing up and heading to Glengarry to be part of one of the largest pipe band performances with over 1500 pipers and drummers. It’s not only a gathering of the clans, the Games also call home all Glengarrians to celebrate their Scottish heritage and cheer for Glengarry-born Kelli Trottier as the 2026 Guest of Honour. Thousands of visitors will flood the village to be at the Games and enjoy the traditional competitions in the piping, dancing and heavyweight events. Add to that lively Scottish fiddling and world-class Celtic entertainment and it promises to the best summer festival anywhere.
This year the Games salutes the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. Five area legion branches, Alexandria, Cornwall, Finch, Lancaster and Hawkesbury, will be part of the Friday night Tattoo and in the Colour party at the official ceremonies on Saturday. Drop into their display area beside the Arena and across from the clan buildings to thank the Legion members for their service to our country and learn more about what they do.
Thirty-seven clans and Scottish societies will be ready at the Games for those who want to know about their Scottish heritage. If anyone is wanting to learn a bit of Gaelic, there’s an opportunity for that on Saturday at 3 pm with a session on Learn Gaelic through Song. The Gaelic Society of Toronto will also be in attendance to help as well.
A record two hundred and seventy Highland dancers will be competing this year. Don’t miss the Parade of Champion Dancers on Saturday afternoon on the infield.
All ages can have fun at the Games. There are many shady spots around the site to keep cool and several air-conditioned locations like the Scottish fiddle in the Arena Hall and the entertainment in the Metcalfe Centre. The Wee Bairns area is a delight for the little ones plus there are junior heavyweights and track and field events on Saturday.
The Games has gone modern – to facilitate purchases, everyone is encouraged to make payments with credit or debit card. This will ensure you can get that wonderful stuffed Highland cow or that huge helping of haggis without trying to find the extra cash.
For those unable to attend but who want to stay tuned to what’s happening at the Games, check out the Games Facebook page. Corus Cornwall will be reporting live from the Games on Friday and CFRA will be doing updates throughout the day as well. If you don’t want to drive to the Games, See-Way More shuttle has a schedule of trips to the Games on Saturday for a reasonable rate from Cornwall to Maxville and back. https://seewaymore.ca. Star Taxi from Alexandria will also have cars available near the Main gates.
Remember if you drive to the Games, enjoy yourself but the OPP will be patrolling the roads around the Games so have a designated driver ready for your trip home.
Whether your roots are Scottish or you simply love a great summer festival, there’s a place for you here. There’s Nothing Quite Like It.
Plan your visit at glengarryhighlandgames.com or the Games Facebook page.
