MONTREAL – The 39th Montreal Highland Games took place at Arthur Therrien Park in Verdun with an estimated 7,500 spectators in attendance.
This edition of the games marks the third consecutive year that the event was held in Verdun, a neighbourhood with a long Scottish history.
Spectators were treated to traditional Scottish fare with bagpipes, food, dance, games, and medieval warfare demonstrations.
Sterling Downey, a city councillor for Verdun who helped bring the games back to the neighbourhood, has hopes that next year will be even bigger.
“Next year is the 40th anniversary, it’s the 150th of Canada, the 375th of Montreal, so maybe we’ll get luck and the city will get on board and back the games, and the government is gonna hopefully back the games and we’ll be able to celebrate our Scottish and Celtic heritage in Canada,” Downey said.
Hosting the event in Verdun also holds a special significance for Montreal Highland Games president Brian MacKenzie.
MacKenzie has been president for the past three years and has seen the games grow steadily.
“My grandfather came over from Scotland in 1921 and settled here,” said MacKenzie. “So there is a special relationship with Verdun as well.”
While the Highland Games is an homage to Canada’s Scottish heritage, it also needs to look towards the future and relate to the younger generations.
Downey remember’s a time when he himself did not pay attention the games.
“I grew up next to the Douglas Hospital where I’ve lived my whole life and the games actually used to happen on the Douglas Hospital property,” Downey said. “When I was younger I neglected to go, but was always well aware of it. How can you not drive by a field and when there is this many pipers playing, not take notice?”
Now, 46, Downey wants to get younger people more excited about getting involved with community organizations.
“Young people this weekend are going to be at Osheaga, which is fine,” Downey said. “But why don’t we have just as many young people here? We should, it’s way more accessible, it’s $15, it’s young, it’s fun. I think the games allows us to reach out to some of the younger people.”