CANMORE – The 30th annual Canmore Highland Games will be returning to the valley this fall according to an announcement from the Three Sisters Scottish Festival Society on Monday (Jan. 18).
Barring any complications related to ongoing and ever-changing COVID-19 protocols, the society is planning for a safe and memorable event on Sept. 4-5, 2021.
“We’re going ahead with the planning so that in the event that it becomes possible to host the games this year, we’ll be ready,” said president of the society Sandy Bunch.
“Even if we can get a modified version of the games this year, it will be good for the town. It will be good for everyone.”
The games regularly attracts 5,000 attendees, and events will take place at Centennial Park in Canmore, the official venue since 1991.
“This past year has not been easy on anyone,” said Bunch in a press release. “The return of our games will bring positives to everyone touched by it: local hotels, restaurants, other local services and businesses, on-site Celtic Market stalls, food booths, pipe bands, highland dancers, sports participants, Celtic entertainers, attendees, and volunteers alike.”
While exact details are still being worked out, the press release also includes the following events to be held: Highland Dance Competition, Heavy Sports Competition, Piping and Drumming Contest, British Car and Motorcycle Show, massed bands, Celtic market, Celtic entertainment, food and beverage booths and trucks, and special celebrations for the 30th Anniversary of the games.
In addition, the Malcolm Hotel and Highland Games organizers are making a local virtual Robbie Burns Day event available for free. On Monday, Jan. 25, a video will be uploaded at on the Highland Games website that will be accessible for the remainder of that week.
Online ticket sales for the Highland Games are expected to open July 1, 2021. Visit the event's website for more information as it becomes available.
