The Am Baile Mòr Highland Tour provides a great opportunity to adventure through Antigonish’s culture and history. Travelling by the StFX bus, occupants will be able to explore multiple locations, with many stops featuring expert speakers.
For tickets ($30) please call Antigonish Highland Society at (902) 863-4275
Route Details:
- Tuesday, July 4th, 2017
- 9am start at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre
- Tour of the StFX campus
- Tour of the Town of Antigonish
- Knoydart, the memorial site of the Battle of Culloden Cairn
- Travel to Arisaig for wharf, cemetery, and lunch at the hall. Entertainment and highland dancers at the hall.
- Cape George lighthouse
- Travel along the bay area, Ballantynes Cove
- Cribbons wharf
- Antigonish Heritage Museum with speaker Jocelyn Gillis
Celebrate Tartan Day!
The Antigonish Highland Society is hosting a Tartan Day Ceilidh. Lots of great entertainment!
Wednesday, April 5th from 6-8pm at Piper’s Pub.
Best Dressed wins a Saturday Field Pass to the Antigonish Highland Games!
This is a free event, but donations are greatly appreciated!
Robbie Burns Day!
Fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
Ae farewell, alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge
thee, Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage
thee.
COME AND JOIN US IN
CELEBRATING ROBERT BURNS
Sunday, 22th January FROM 2pm-4pm
@ THE LEGION HALL. UPSTAIRS
All are invited to the Antigonish Highland Society’s Robbie Burns Celebration with entertainment and refreshments. There is no charge but donations will be accepted.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all there!
The Antigonish Highland Games featured on ARC!
Season 4 episode 9
“For Those About to Rock” – The teams return to Canada and race through Nova Scotia where a detour has some teams up in arms.
Episode Recap:
At the Detour, teams chose to either Feel the Rhythm or Feel the Burn. In Feel the Rhythm, dressed in traditional kilts, teams had to learn technical highland dance steps and perform the routine in unison with a group of young dancers. In Feel the Burn, teams had to complete three highland games heavy lifting events; the caber toss, farmers walk, and the stone throw. Teams Steph and Kristen, Jillian and Emmett, and Frankie and Amy all completed Feel the Burn, while teams Joel and Ashley, and Rita and Yvette chose to Feel the Rhythm.
Steph and Kristen left the Detour only seconds ahead of Jillian and Emmett and raced across the highlands grounds to the Black House Historical Site in search of the Double U-Turn board. Steph and Kristen arrived first and decided to U-Turn Joel and Ashley, while Jillian and Emmett chose to U-Turn Rita and Yvette, forcing both teams to return and complete the other side of the Detour.
For the full Episode recap
To watch the entire episode: Season 4 Episode 9
CTV Photos from the set *We will upload our own photos in the days to come.
Additional “Moments” BMO EFFECT MOMENTS OF THE RACE *Please note that you’ll have to sign in to ‘Video Login’ to view
The Story
So…now that the episode has aired, we here at the Antigonish Highland Society can share with you how this opportunity all came about…
We were approached back in February by a Producer for the show who asked if we might be interested in being a part of an episode highlighting the Highland Games as her research led her to realize that we are the longest running Highland Games in Canada.
After a few meetings and a few more partners coming on board to create the concept for the episode, we recruited not only our very own Heavy Event Games Chair, Matt Doherty to construct all of the apparatus that would be required (chopping down and scraping the bark off of the cabers but also manufacturing the farmers walk weights out of tree stumps having to weigh in a different amounts) but also three seasoned veterans of the Highland Games and one Junior competitor to showcase and demonstrate to the racers.
A huge thank you goes out to Jesse LeBlanc (Margeruite, NS), Greg Hadley (Antigonish, NS), Danny Frame (Middleton, NS) and Bryan MacLean (Moncton, NB) for their time and effort to make us look good to the nation and for representing the Antigonish Highland Games so proudly!
*NEW SHOW: Tuesday, 16-August – Keppoch Kitchen Party
Back by popular demand!
The Society for the Ships of 1801 is pleased to announce that they will be presenting their fourth concert on August 16th at the Schwartz Centre on the St.FX campus.
The concert is titled a “Keppoch Kitchen Party”, set in a farmhouse in the Keppoch around 1940.
This is about a hundred years after the Scottish and Irish immigrants setted in the area.
As the concert opens a family of three generations is expecting some friends and neighbors to drop in for a ceilidh. Through a short narration we get a brief sketch of the families they are expecting. At least, we get the grandmother’s perspective which is not very flattering.
Soon, a small band of musicians arrive followed by the Murphy’s from the Cross Roads. Next, we meet a family sick of farming. They’re looking for an easier and quicker way to make money. Also visiting is a family with a variety of talent, a parish priest and a piper with two daughters one of whom is visiting from Boston.
It is not long before the singing, dancing, stories and music begin. All this is interspersed with some local humor and a bit of conflict.
In actual fact, the ceilidh house played a major role in the social life of the community. It is where the news (gossip) was shared, where young people developed relationships and friendships were formed and strengthened.
For this concert we feature a number of traditional songs, a few from past shows and a couple of traditional homemade ballads. For added interest we have a Gaelic story. The performing artists are back from , “Year of the Burning, “with several new additions.
2016 SURVEY
Enter to win a 2017 Antigonish Highland Games Passport OR Value Pass!
Please fill out the following event survey and be entered to win one of a few 154th Antigonish Highland Games Passports OR Value Passes.
Your feedback is important to us and we appreciate you taking the time to fill it out.
2016 Event Survey – 153rd Antigonish Highland Games
Sunday July 2nd: Clan Thompson Pipe Band & Friends Concert
Vendor Information
*DEADLINE: Friday, June 23rd, 2017
REGISTRATION: 2017 Vendor Application and Agreement
In 2017, the Antigonish Highland Games will be celebrating the 154th anniversary for the first Games ever held in Antigonish. It will be a momentous occasion celebrating and showcasing Scottish culture.
Recognized as one of Nova Scotia Tourism’s Signature Festivals/Events, the Antigonish Highland Games has built a worldwide reputation based on authenticity, attention to detail, and hospitality. The 154th Games will be no exception.
Starting Friday and running to Sunday, Columbus Field on Main Street will be home to various competitions like the Scottish Heavy events, Highland Dancing, and Piping and Drumming. There will also be a blend of flavoured Ceilidhs, Clan activities, and Concerts.
The Games attracts competitors and visitors from across the country and around the world. Traditional attendance at the field is approximately 12,000 people over three days.
On the field there are there are two designated areas for vendors; one for Food Vendors and the other for Merchandise located near the Clan tent/activities and close to the entrance of the field.
We are also inviting Corporate, Local non-for-profits, Community organizations and artisans to participate.
As a way to promote Scottish culture, the Antigonish Highland Games is always interested in having vendors serving traditional Scottish food and offering products of a Scottish/Celtic nature. In an effort to have a sustainable event, the Games Committee asks that all Food Vendors must use only compostable plates when serving food.
Please complete the 2017 AHG Vendor Application and Agreement and enclose all proper documents and payments (payable to Antigonish Highland Society) required and mail to:
ATTN. Shaun Chisholm, Chair of Concessions
Antigonish Highland Society
20 east Main Street
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
B2G 2E9
Phone: 902-735-2792
Email: shaunchisholm23@gmail.com
*Drop-off location Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm ONLY:
Antigonish Highland Games event office
ATTN. Jordan Hull
20 east Main Street
Email: info@antigonishhighlandgames.ca
DEADLINE: Friday, June 23th, 2017 4:00pm.
2016 Volunteer Opportunities
The 153rd Antigonish Highland Games is one of the province’s signature events and the Games success can be contributed to a great group of volunteers. There are many different events and activities that require extra hands on and off the field.
Volunteer Benefits
Volunteering with the 2016 Antigonish Highland Games is an opportunity to be a part of history as we celebrate the 153rd Anniversary of the first Highland Games held in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Volunteering allows you to meet great people, have fun, and experience the Scottish culture.
As a volunteer you will be taking on an essential and appreciated role in making the Antigonish Highland Games a continued cultural tradition. You will be a part of an active and engaging community team.
Volunteer Expectations
- Volunteers will report to the Chair of their event or area depending on where they are positioned.
- Whether you are a returning or new volunteer, you must attend at least one orientation meeting in order to participate in the Games.
- If you are unable to make your shift you must notify the Festival Coordinator at (902) 863-4275 as soon as possible.
- Loyalty, enthusiasm and clear and open communication is expected, as well as attention to workplace health and safety, kindness and courtesy to other volunteers, staff, participants and audience.
- HAVE FUN!
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the following
2016 Volunteer Application and you will be contacted in the coming weeks to schedule shifts.
2016 Volunteer Positions
INFORMATION BOOTH
We are looking for local friendly and outgoing personalities to field questions and requests from visitors, attendees, competitors, sponsors, patrons, clans and everything in between.
*Knowledge of the history of the Highland Games is preferred.
TICKET SALES
Main Festival Entrance
We are looking for individuals that have excellent customer service skills, are good with cash/credit/debit transactions, enjoy being in a busy-environment and are able to commit to
4-hour shifts.
Beer Ticket Sellers
We are looking for individuals that are good at handling cash transactions, are efficient and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
*Afternoon and in particular late-night shifts (10pm-1:30am) are required.
MONEY COUNTERS
We are looking for individuals that have cash reconciliation experience and that are available to work late-night shifts, generally for 2-3 hours between 8pm – 2am.
CLAN, PATRON & SPONSOR TENT
We are looking for local friendly and outgoing personalities to “host” our Clans on the Saturday as well as provide excellent customer service to our Sponsors and patrons attending the Games.
*Scottish attire recommended as well as a knowledge on the history of the Highland Games preferred.
TIR NAN OG – Athletics *Friday only
We are looking for setup and support for the Track & Field aspect of Tir Nan Og. Setup is early Friday morning, 7am and teardown is around 3pm.
*Individuals must provide a current Criminal Record Check
TIR NAN OG – Cultural & Arts Workshops *Friday only
We are looking for individuals with an interest in Scottish cultural arts & crafts that enjoy working with children of all ages.
*Individuals must provide a current Criminal Record Check
Cultural & Arts Workshop Assistants
We are looking for individuals with an interest in Scottish cultural arts & crafts that enjoy working with children of all ages.
*Individuals must provide a current Criminal Record Check
FLOATER
We are looking for individuals that are outgoing and friendly and able to adapt to their surroundings, indoor and outdoors.
Floaters may be requested to assist all Games Chairs as required, cover off lunch breaks, support the Field crew, run errands and everything in between.
*Scheduled shifts will be a minimum of 4-hours.
Grand Street Parade
2017 Grand Street Parade Registration is open!
The Grand Street Parade during Antigonish Highland Games weekend has become an annual family tradition for many Antigonish residents and visitors of all ages. Thousands of people line the streets of Antigonish early Saturday morning to watch the many floats, vintage cars, and visiting pipe bands come through town.
As the unofficial kick off to the weekend field events, the Grand Street Parade begins on the StFX campus at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre and heads down West Street onto Main Street where it ends at the entrance to Columbus Field.
The parade is preceded by the Elite Mile Road Race, a high-caliber race including only 15 of the fastest males and female competitive racers in the area. The Elite Mile Road Race starts at 8:50 a.m. using the same route as the parade.
Once the runners have sprinted to Columbus Field, the vintage cars, marching bands, community organizations and businesses, and many other participants make their way to the field.
Cash prizes are available for first, second, and third place entries in the following categories: Best Vintage Car, Best Commercial Float, and Best Non-Commercial Float.
Entries who are registered to participate in the parade are asked to arrive at Millennium Centre no later than 8 a.m. using the entrance to StFX via St. Ninian Street. Judging begins at 8:15 a.m. followed by the presenting of the plaques and prizes. Judging will be based on presentation of the entry including the decoration, costumes, music, etc.
Please Note:
- Pre-registration is mandatory.
- Have a copy of your insurance on hand Saturday morning for the Parade Chair. Proof of insurance is needed in order to participate.
- The Elite Mile will precede the parade.
- Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each division will be given out prior to the parade.
- Parade signs must be returned to Club 60 immediately following the parade.
- Candy can be passed out by persons accompanying a float.
- It is illegal to throw anything from a parade float.
2016 Presenting Sponsors
Media Partners
Partners
