Glengarry Highland Games - Saturday

This is part two of a two part blog about the Glengarry highland games. Saturday involved watching more of the games, sheepdog demonstrations, and pipe and drum competitions and of course more entertainment in the beer tent!

The morning was a little harder to get up for because of the late night drinking in the beer tent however, bless the creators of this marvelous drink, Alex and I had some Irn Bru. It was created to be a hangover remedy apparently. Seemed to work pretty well too!

The day started off setting up on the mound around the infield and watching some of the games.


   
              Caber Toss                          Regimental Tug-of-War                Sheepdog Demonstration

Pipe and drum competitions are always a lot of fun to watch. Since we've started going there we've been following the City of Chicago pipe and drum band. Last year they moved from Level 2 to Level 1. With the international competitions happening next weekend in Scotland, there were less bands performing at the Level 1. This year we had City of Chicago, Toronto Police, and PEEL. Watching these competitions reminds me of when I went to the nationals in my grade 12 year.

At 4 o'clock, Scocha came back as the entertainment in the beer tent and that's when the party really began! Being a part of one of their concerts makes you really feel that the members are down to earth. Mom and I couldn't stop singing along to the songs and it was fun that some of the band members noticed and were laughing and really getting into it. They took the time to look people in the eyes as they were singing and I'm sure it meant a lot to people. It made the concert feel more personal. That's being a true musician! Not just playing for the fans, but interacting with them and pulling them in.

   
Then the night ended in traditional Maxville fashion, the massed bands from the weekend. This is what causes me to hear bagpipes in the wind the entire hour and a half long car ride home. All those bagpipes and drums playing together in unison creates such a powerful sound that shakes in your ribcage. It's so powerful! It is honestly beyond all possible words!

Honestly, I think that everyone should look up and see if there are Scottish Highland Games near you. They're quite powerful, friendly, and such an educational and relaxing experience. There are games that take place all over and I hope you can find some close to you!