The Canmore Highland Games: Western Canada's Very Best Celtic Celebration
By KATE CLARK
Canmore Alberta is boasted to host the "Biggest Celtic Celebration in Western Canada" in the flyer advertising the Canmore Highland Games. On September 3, the almost 8,000 attendees looked like they were at the very best indeed. Under clear blue skies, temperatures escalated to a blistering 30 degrees in the Bow Valley, a factor the heavy games competitors no doubt could have done without.
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TYSON COLLETON from Red Deer, Alberta, wearing Canadian tartan.
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DANCERS with the Regent School of Irish Dance from Calgary
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These strong Highlanders demonstrated their strength, skill, and determination in the heavy hammer toss, sheaf throw, and, of course, caber toss. Competitors wowed the crowds that gathered around the infield of Centennial Park and on occasion a hefty throw had some spectators running for cover.
Games announcer Pete McKay had his work cut out for him keeping spectators up-to-date on distance results and competitor facts, while entering some of these competitions himself. Young Matthew Johnson, a University of Alberta student, garnered most first place prizes in all events.
Those favouring a more passive crowd activity were found milling through the variety of Celtic goods, clan group, and food tents where business was brisk as crowds snapped up intricately designed jewellery, art, and humorous t_shirts!
Browsing through the market area one could hear the various pipe and drum bands practice for upcoming competitions. The Scottish dance competitions were held under shade along the park's perimeter which was much welcomed by participants and their admiring audience.
Sheep dog trials were held in the main field area. Definitely little Abe, a 16-month collie was a crowd favourite. Under the skilled hand of Jean Walker, Abe responded to short whistles directing him to sit, wait and watch or to run and herd his three sheep. Abe and Jean worked together for only three weeks in preparation for the competition, yet displayed a great working relationship.
Competing bands all joined together toward the end of this glorious day and set hairs up on the back of the necks of the audience. Senses were piqued with a combination of the awe inspiring beauty of the mountainous backdrop for the event, spine chilling pipes, pounding drums and colourful costumes. Yet there was more.
That evening the band Wolfstone rocked a sold out tent. What a hooley! With the band in high spirits, the crowd was up on their feet and there was remorse when it all came to an end after 11 PM. With that, the happy revellers wandered off into the warm September night anticipating Canmore 2007.
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JOHN CRIMMINS, Maria Daly, and Colm O'Connell, working students from Ireland enjoying a trip to the Rockies area.
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[TRAINER Jean Walker with her popular border collie Abe.
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NEWLYWEDS Carlinn and Sky, both members of the Edmonton Wolf Tones Gaelic Football Club enjoying the Games
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