Tens of thousands are gathering in Maxville, Ont. to celebrate Scottish culture at the 77th edition of the Glengarry Highland Games. The event is largest massed band competition in eastern Ontario and features a series of Scottish events like Highland dancing and heavyweight competitions. Bands from all around the world will also be competing in the North American Pipe Band Championships. John Matthews has nearly never missed the Highland Games since moving to Cornwall, Ont. more than 40 years ago. It’s an event that he and his family look forward to every year. “We’ve gone on holidays usually after this weekend, either before or after. We always try and go. It’s s special time,” said Matthews. His late grandparents moved to Canada from Aberdeen, Scotland. Matthews says the thing he likes most about the event is the pipe bands. He says he grew up listening to similar music because his late mother really enjoyed listening to it. “We like to come here. I always think of her. She’s been gone for quite a few years now, but I always think of her when we come here,” said Matthews. The event also featured hundreds of vendors with Scottish souvenirs, foods, tartan and kilts. “We’ve been told by people from Scotland that we are far more Scottish here than they are back in Scotland, that we celebrate with our kilts and all our tartans and everything that is Scottish culture,” said Betty Mcintosh, president of the Glengarry Highland Games. The event is expected to attract about 25,000 people throughout the weekend. “It’s pretty special. I do like to celebrate our heritage and it’s a real opportunity here,” said Greg Wallace, who is attending the Glengarry Highland Games. The Glengarry Highland Games run until Saturday.
