This year marks the 16th annual Highland Games here in Kamloops. Set to return to Albert McGowan Park on June 27, the day will be fueled with food, culture, competition, entertainment, and of course a whole lot of fun — Scottish style.
Put on by the Kamloops Highland Games Society, the event features many fan favorite events such as Highland Dancers and the heavy athletic competitions.
“We see a range from those who are just starting out, to those who hold provincial, national, even world championship titles in their respective competitions. The award-winning Kamloops Pipe Band will be performing and competing, the heavy events is run by the first ever female heavy events athlete in BC — Tanya Little — who’s whole family also compete. Many of the dancers are provincial and national champions as well,” said KHGS board member, Victoria Allen.
Beyond the competitions, the event offers entertainment for all ages throughout the day. Families can enjoy the kids’ zone, while special guests Superfly Canine Agility Club will showcase exciting dog agility trials.
Visitors can also catch live sword fighting demonstrations from special guest Lynx Historical Martial Arts.
And, of course, no celebration would be complete without the food, including — for the first time ever at the Kamloops Highland Games — haggis burgers, along with regular barbecue fare lovingly made by the Lions Club. Local icons Iron Road Brewing will be operating the beer garden for the adults in the crowd.
Throughout the year the Kamloops Highland Games Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the customs, traditions, and history of the Scottish Highlands.
“We are all volunteers, doing this in what little spare time we have, for the love of the event. All of us have at least one connection to the games, whether we’re dancers or dance parents, play in the pipe band, or compete in the heavies,” said Allen.
The KHGA pride themselves on maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds can come together to embrace the traditions of Scotland. So come on out and enjoy the fun in June! Spectators are encouraged to bring their own camping or lawn chairs to the park, to settle in for the day.
Gates open at 7:30 a.m. with tickets available at the gate. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for youth ages 6–17 and seniors 65+, while children under five attend for free.
For more information, updates, sponsorship inquiries, or event questions, follow the Kamloops Highland Games on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit www.kamloopshighlandgames.org, or email [email protected].