There were several clans who participated in the Parade of Clans during the 2025 Glengarry Highland Games. Clan Donald led the Parade of Clans this year as the Guest of Honour was Colin Patrick MacDonell of Glengarry, the 24th hereditary Chief of Glengarry. Thompson Goddard Photo

MAXVILLE – In what has been an August long weekend tradition for decades, thousands and thousands of people converged on the small North Glengarry community of Maxville for the Glengarry Highland Games (GHG) which was held in the village fairgrounds. The event was held on Fri., Aug. 1 and Sat., Aug. 2, featuring world-class highland dancers, bagpipers, fiddlers, athletes and volunteers providing visitors with an experience they will never forget.

The Tartan Ball, held on July 31 in the Metcalfe Centre, has launched the Glengarry Highland Games since 1997. Good food and drink are enjoyed by all the guests and is accompanied by highland dancing, fiddle playing, and bagpipes.

The weather cooperated on both days with sunny skies and gentle breezes making sure the crowds were able to comfortably enjoy this celebration of Scottish heritage. Throughout the weekend there were numerous competitions for both individual pipers as well as pipe bands, dance competitions, fiddle competitions and of course the much-loved field events.

Representatives from several clans were on site providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the various Scottish clans. As well there were several activities for people to enjoy in the nearby Clans Tent including music, whiskey tasting and an introduction to Scottish Gaelic. For the younger attendees there were activities designed for them in the Wee Bairns tent and activity centre and of course there was plenty of adult entertainment available in the hospitality venues at the Games.

Friday at the games was busy with several competitions scheduled as well as the opportunity to enjoy visiting the various vendors throughout the fairgrounds and several places to enjoy a bite to eat. The day culminated in the much-anticipated Tattoo Concert which featured the MacCulloch Dancers, massed pipe bands, sky divers as well as fireworks, which was preceded by a performance of Glengarry fiddlers.

On Saturday the weather cooperated with sunny skies and thousands upon thousands of people visiting the games. During the day there were numerous athletic competitions in the infield of the fairground. These included the Highlanders Tug of War Challenge Cup, the Sheaf Toss, the Caber Toss as well as the Hammer Toss.

At noon on Saturday, the Clans Parade moved around the track, with Clan Donald leading the march as the Guest of Honour at the 2025 GHG was Colin Patrick MacDonell of Glengarry, who is called Glengarry in accordance with the Scottish tradition of referring to a Chief by the name of his estate. Highland dancers marched on as the dignitaries were drive on preceded by a guard of honour and pipe band. GHG President Don Gamble welcomed people to the games, following which Glengarry gave a short address and officially opened the 2025 Glengarry Highland Games. The first massed bands then were welcomed on the fields by an enthusiastic audience, performing many Scottish favourites. It was noted by the announcer that a much larger massed band would conclude the games later in the day.

A huge thank you must be extended to the scores of volunteers who plan and execute one of the greatest celebrations of Scottish culture in this country. The memories made by the visitors will surely remain with them always.