Highland Games - August 5, 2018, Verdun

2018 MONTREAL HIGHLAND GAMES

The Montreal Highland Games: Pipes and Drums, Highland Dancers, Athletics, Celtic bands, Family Village, and much more — at the Douglas Hospital grounds.

The Montreal Highland Games are one of the premier events in the North American Highland Games circuit and, at age 41, they are improving with age. The Montreal Highland Games is always held on the Sunday following the Glengarry (Maxville) Games, which makes it a double header for pipe bands, athletes, Highland dancers and spectators. Among competitors, this has become known as the M&M weekend.

Every year, the Montreal Highland Games brings together Montrealers of Scottish and all other backgrounds to celebrate Highland games, music and culture. The Games represent a wonderful opportunity for participants and visitors alike to discover the treasures, legends and history of the rich Scottish culture.

The day will include pipe band, highland dance and heavy weight competitions including the caber toss, sheaf toss, hammer throw and putting the stone from competitors from throughout North America. Celtic bands including the Steel City Rovers and Mariner’s Curse perform in the Ceilidh entertainment tent throughout the afternoon. The Montreal Highland Games have been held since 1976, picking up from the Caledonian Games that took place between 1856 to 1973.

Here’s what you can expect…
For the kids–
Children will have their own mini Highland Games at the RBC Family Village, with their very own caber toss, tug of war and Highland costumes to try on. Jacqueline Simoneau, RBC Olympian, a synchronized swimmer, will sign autographs and meet with junior athletes.
There will be bouncy castles, face painting and medieval battles by trained professionals where kids can partake in play “combat” training. This is, of course, in addition to all the Highland Games events where children compete, in the Highland dance and band competitions.

For the adults–
The Celtic village will feature an array of Celtic merchants with clothing, musical instruments, jewelry, baked goods, culinary delights and Scotch sampling, a long with pipe band and fiddle and harp performances, Scottish Clan displays, Highland dancing and many more activities!
Foodies of all ages will be delighted to have the opportunity to experience Haggis, traditional shortbread cookies, highland beef dishes and more…

For the discerning attendee–
The Burgundy Lion Patrons’ Pavilion is the ‘best kept secret’ at this celebration of Scottish history and culture. This oasis of calm and tranquility is located right on the edge of the main field with a view of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies featuring the massed pipe bands (350+ musicians playing together) and an up-close-and-personal vantage point for the athletic competitions.
A short walk to the Highland Dancing Village, this is also the V.I.P. area where the Chieftain of the day and various officials spend time when not ‘on duty’. The traditional tug of war will take place benefiting the Douglas Hospital Foundation.

Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 7 pm
Don’t miss the Montreal Caber Parade with pipes and drums through the streets of Verdun!
Location: Wellington Street, Verdun

Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 9 am
The Caledonian Run! There will be a 5K run, 5K Clan/Team run, and 1K Fun run at Montreal’s premier Scottish summer event! Lace up your running shoes and join us for a run, as the sounds of Highland bagpipes fill the air. Participants are encouraged to wear kilts, and tartan accessories. Every participant will receive a ticket to the 2018 Montreal Highland Games and a 2018 MHG Caledonian Run T-shirt. This is a timed run.