The History of the Glengarry Highland Games

              

                                            The History of the Glengarry Highland Games

              The tiny village of Maxville is internationally known for holding one of the largest Highland Games festivals in the world, as well as being home to the North American Pipe Band Championships. On the August long weekend of each year, some 50,000 people flock to this town to experience a massive celebration of Scottish culture

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                But…do they know about the humble beginnings of the Glengarry Highland Games?

                In 1948, a group of local Maxville businessman wanted to ensure that the bright and unique traditions of their beloved Celtic heritage would not be forgotten. They had reason to worry: in 1877, the New Caledonian Highland Games situated in Williamstown, Ontario had been cancelled and never resumed due to a tragic hammer toss accident which resulted in the death of a four year old girl. Since that incident, the township banned Highland sports and less and less people from both counties of North and South Glengarry took part in traditional Scottish sport and music. These Maxville businessmen wanted to know that the future generations would have the same attachment to their Scottish heritage as they did and decided to revive the culture with the creation of Maxville’s very own Highland Games.

 On the August long weekend of 1948, the town of Maxville hosted the first ever Glengarry Highland Games. In attendance were seven pipe bands and nearly 10,000 visitors, vastly exceeding anyone’s expectations. With such a positive initial response, the games quickly became a yearly fixture in the community. Throughout the years, the games have grown exponentially, now hosting the North American Pipe Band Championships, as well as displays of Highland dancing, traditional Highland sports, fiddling and a gathering of the clans. Each year, more events are added and the games grow larger and larger. However, it was due to the determination of the local businessmen that we have the Highland Games today. 

Happy Highland Games!

A 'Clan Map' currently displayed in the Star Inn at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum. This map shows where each clan is from in Scotland.