Embro Highland Games returns for 86th year

President - Alex McKay, Heavy Events - Berle Conrad, Tug-of-War - Maxwell Sim Bish, Ingersoll Pipe Band Bass Drummer - Doug Turvey Highland Dancers - Iain Sim, Elise Toth, Emersyn Morris. The two Sheltie dogs are in the photo promoting their show "Scottish Dogs on Parade". (Zorra Caledonian Society photo)

Connor Luczka, Echo Correspondent

Calling all highlanders – the Embro Highland Games returns this Canada Day for its 86th year.

The annual games, a keystone, one-day festival in Zorra Township, is facilitated by the Zorra Caledonian Society. As it has in the past, it takes place at the Embro Zorra Community Centre, located at 355644 35th Line.

Alex McKay, president of the society, told the Echo that the games’ significance to the community cannot be understated.

“It's just a great way, a great day, to celebrate Scottish heritage and our Zorra Township community,” McKay said. “I think I've been there every year since I've been alive … I wouldn't know a life without the games, and I wouldn't know an Embro without the games.

“For me, it's a day of joy,” he went on to say. “There’re just so many entertaining things going on … and I don't think it really matters where you're from or what it is. I think this is so intertwined into the Embro community now that everybody's welcome to come and appreciate it for what it is.”

This year, there is a full lineup of activities and attractions planned.

There are over 248 entries in the individual piping and drumming competitions, which begin at 8:30 a.m. The Massed Bands take over the main field of the grounds at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. For McKay, who comes from a long line of McKays that have been involved with the games and the Embro community, the Massed Bands are a particular highlight.

“My dad was heavily involved in the Caledonians,” McKay said. “His dad helped out and his dad was a Caledonian back when it first kind of got started. So, you know, when I hear the Massed Bands … For me, that just sends chills all over me. It's like feeling the weight of three other generations ahead of me.”

Back by popular demand, Grade 2 Pipe Bands have been invited to Embro, travelling from further afield and performing with a higher degree of difficulty.

For guests wanting to take in some true Scottish culture, the highland dance competition begins at 9 a.m. and runs all day, with 84 dancers registered so far, four from Scotland and one from Australia. This year, the dancing will be held indoors for some much-needed shade.

In keeping with the theme, a wide variety of Scottish vendors will be on site selling Scottish jewelry, food, tartan clothing and Celtic arts, crafts and more.

Back again in Embro is the popular tug-of-war competition. Five teams are registered, including local teams Ellice (near Stratford), Bluewater (Dashwood) and an army team from London. There are also teams from Nova Scotia and Minnesota travelling to compete.

Heavy events (complete with the caber toss), featuring male and female athletes from across the province vying for top honours, start at 10:30 a.m.

For those animal enthusiasts, the Scottish livestock area will be open all day with breeds of cattle, horses and sheep that have all originated in Scotland. Scottish dogs on parade, always a favourite show for visitors, will “strut the ring with their humans” at 11 a.m. There will also be two dog agility shows and three sheep herding demonstrations.

Returning to Embro are local craft breweries Upper Thames Brewing Co. from Woodstock, Junction 56 Distillery from Stratford and MadMash Brewery and Restaurant from Tavistock, a new vendor. The Paddy Stones and the Doppelgangers will perform some rousing live music in the “Muckle Tent.”

The Embro and Zorra Agricultural Society is organizing the wee Highlanders’ play area so the youngest guests can blow off some steam. For those wanting a slower pace, the Scottish Tea Room will be open from noon to 4 p.m., hosted by the Knox Presbyterian Church in the arena lobby.

More events and vendors are set to appear at this year’s games. For more information on what’s on tap, visit the Zorra Caledonian Society’s website: https://zorracaledoniansociety.ca/embro-highland-games/.

McKay thanked the society for all the work they do in putting on the games, in particular Helen Dowd and Geoff Innes for their work, as well as the sponsors that make the day a reality.

As the event nears, he said that they are still looking for volunteers to help out on the day.

Gates open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1. Admission at the gate is $30 for adults or $27.50 if bought online in advance. All visitors under 18 years of age are admitted at no charge. Parking is complimentary. Visitors are welcome to bring along a lawn chair and a refillable water bottle, as a new hydration station will be debuted at this year’s games.