Kingsville Highland Games

Tickets are $20.00 per person, which includes all access entry into the Highland Games events and activities.  

Purchase Highland Games tickets online

Grade 5 to 1 Pipe Bands have been invited to compete at Kingsville Highland Games for 2022, meaning the potential exists to see a large and accomplished field of competitors. For competitors in 2022, dedicated off-site parking with shuttles to Lakeside Park will be provided with a drop-off zone right at the PPBSO registration tent. Check back often to see which Pipe Bands have registered or visit Piping and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) for updates. 

As part of our rich Scottish history, nothing shows the spirit of this more than seeing Highland Dancing at a Highland Gathering.  This sophisticated form of dance has become popular in countries around the world and once again we appreciate being welcomed to the Kingsville Highland Games.  W&DHDA has been a part of Highland Dancing for many years, supporting many dance studios throughout Windsor and Essex County.  Dancers as young as 3 may begin dance lessons and with practice may compete for prizes at dance competitions sanctioned by the RSOBHD.  Not only do dancers compete, but they also make lasting friendships and are able to travel to many different countries for competitions.  Dancers are judged on intricate steps learned and wear traditional outfits that represent our Scottish heritage.  We are excited to be back in Kingsville and hope you will join us in welcoming our dancers back from all parts of Canada and other countries.  Cheers!

Heavy Events, also known as Highland Games Heavy Events or Scottish Athletics, have been part of Highland Games for centuries. There are nine events in total and all are a show of strength, athleticism and skill. The heavy events that you will see at the Kingsville Highland Games, are as follows:

1. Heavy Weight For Distance: This is the most technically and physically difficult of the three weights. The implement is a round hunk of lead, attached to a handle, with a total length of no more than 18 inches. Standing in a 7’6″ by 4’6″ lined trig, the athlete must release the implement and maintain control in this confined space. The athletes typically use a two-spin technique to generate speed and throw the weight as far as possible.
2. Caber: This is the most well-known and popular of the Scottish heavy events. The competitor must “pick” (pick up) the caber, run, and toss it so it lands straight out from him/her at a 12 o’clock position. The caber is tossed for accuracy, not distance. The judge must “call it” just as the caber hits the ground. A side judge will sometimes be used to determine if the caber rotated through 90 degrees – if it’s a “Fifer” and not counted.
3. Heavy Hammer: The heavier of the two hammer events, the Heavy Hammer consists of a round head made of lead, and a 50 inch long handle of PVC, which is strong and can flex on impact. The competitor vigorously rotates the hammer overhead to gain momentum and releases it into the air. The throw is measured for distance to where the hammer hits the ground.
4. Braemar Stone: One of the two stone events, the Braemar stone is a standing throw with no approach permitted. The Braemar stone is named after the famous games in Braemar, Scotland where the event was popularized.
5. Light Weight For Distance: The little brother of the Heavy Weight for Distance, the difference being that there is less weight to the chain and handle. The speed of rotation and distances thrown are faster and farther than in the Heavy Weight for Distance.
6. Light Hammer: The precursor to the Olympic hammer, the Light Hammer is exactly like the Heavy hammer except that it is lighter.
7. Weight Over Bar: The name says it all! The implement used is the same as that used for Heavy Weight for Distance except that the length of chain between the ball and handle is removed. Athletes must heave the weight over a bar using a technique that does not permit foot movement. Favoured by the more powerful athlete, this event is a real crowd pleaser as spectators can literally watch the action up close and personal!
8. Open Stone: This event is similar to the more familiar shot put, except a fieldstone is used. It is “put” from behind a “trig” – which is a marker log on the ground – and the athlete may not cross the trig at any time or his/her throw is not counted. The stone may be “put” by various manners, such as the shuffle, glide or rotation.
9. Sheaf: This like many of the events, derives from the farming traditions of Scotland, and grew out of a competition to see who could toss a sheaf of wheat the highest. Today the sheaf is a bag of twine and burlap tightly wrapped to form the implement to be thrown. A pitchfork is used to toss the sheaf over a horizontal bar. Competitors receive three attempts at each height. Achieving the task of getting the sheaf over the bar once, lets the athlete move on to the next height.

The Scottish Athletic Heavy Events Competition will take place on the Main Field under the guidelines of the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation. Competitions are open to male and female athletes. Register for the Heavy Events today.

The Interactive Stage Area is a place for lads & lassies to witness and participate in some Scottish musical performances. Such as: 

•   Scottish Country Dancing
•   The Highland Hustle
•   Cape Breton Step Dancing
•   Irish Dancing
•   The Great Highland Pipes
•   Fiddling
•   Drumming 

The Craft Area will be hosted once again by the Film Camp for Kids and Youth and will feature crafts that reflect Celtic culture.

Visit the Clan Village at the Kingsville Highland Games and connect with your Scottish family. Clan Societies and Clan Members will gather here to share stories and connections and to get their Scottish on. The Clans will be an integral part of the Opening Ceremonies and will follow the Honour Guard onto the Main Field to be welcomed. Our Clan registration is now full.  

See all the Clans Joining us in 2022

Clan MacPherson

Clan Ferguson

Clan Wallace Worldwide

Clan Donald

Clan Dooley

Clan MacQuarrie

Clan MacAulay

More than 6500 people attended the Kingsville Highland Games in 2019, and 2022 is shaping up to be even bigger. There are some significant additions to the Games this year that will attract even more new and varied customers:

• The Grade levels for the Pipe Band Competitions have been expanded to include all Grades, opening the field to a larger group of competitors.
• Parking Shuttles will be provided for participants and attendees from a variety of parking locations around Kingsville.
• In-park shuttles will be available for people with mobility issues.
• All Vendors will be located on the upper area of Lakeside Park providing easy access to the on-site vendor-only parking area. 

 In 2019 we held a very successful Highland Games event that was attended by more that 6500 people. 2022 is now shaping up to be even bigger! You can be part of this amazing community event by joining us as a sponsor. 

Fill out our Sponsor Form to get started.