160th Antigonish Highland Games,

About the event

The Antigonish Highland Games are a week-long celebration of Scottish Highland culture and how it has helped shape the community of Antigonish.

The Antigonish Highland Games is considered by many to be the signature annual event in the Antigonish community, an event like no other that takes place in Antigonish. Despite several years of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, the AHG has been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to return to our annual celebration. While it has no doubt been said before, it is important to reflect on the long history of this event and its one perpetual truth: the Games have always relied upon, benefitted from, and tremendously appreciated the continued support of the Town and County of Antigonish, local businesses, and the individuals who make this event possible.

The AHG’s week offers an exciting list of events with activities that are certain to please all ages and interests. The week traditionally begins with Sunday Opening Service, which is then followed by an afternoon Ceilidh. Throughout the week numerous events take place, including our Highland Bus Tour, Presidents Dinner, and the Five Mile Road Race. There are also new and expanded Youth Events on Columbus Field on Friday, including the popular mini weight events known as Tir Nan Og. This leads into the Main Weekend with Fridays’ Opening Celebration and the Concert Under the Stars, with the Friday night beer tent ceilidh to cap off the evening. Saturday morning begins with the Main Street Parade, followed by Highland Dancing, Piping and Drumming, the Heavyweight Events, and Tug of War competitions. That evening the Saturday Night Beer Tent Ceilidh takes place, with a signature group or performer typically occupying the stage. The Ceilidh Tent also offers entertainment throughout much of the daily festivities.

Why should you sponsor?

By sponsoring the Antigonish Highland Games, you are giving your business a fantastic opportunity to promote your products and services to large crowds and both our on-site and online communities. More importantly, your support will help continue a tradition that began in 1861, and has continued with few interruptions since. In fact, prior to the pandemic, the AHG was the longest running highland games outside of Scotland! Our rich history, devoted audience, and significant community support help make the AHG one of the best highland games in the world, one renowned for its authenticity and attention to detail. We are more than willing to work with you to ensure you are more than satisfied with the benefits of your sponsorship. We have packages ranging from $1000-15000, so contact our Operations Manager to find out more details and join our list of generous sponsors today!

Dan Cochrane

Founded in 1861 by members of the local Scottish community, our forefathers aimed to provide aid to those in need, however in the years that followed their efforts became focused on improving the general welfare of our native county; to preserve the Gaelic culture, dress, music, customs, and traditions of the Caledonians; retaining and perpetuating the language, literature, and athletics of Scotland; promoting the honour, integrity, and nationalism of its members; and maintaining strong social bonds among them.

Over the decades since the Highland Society’s inception, the challenges have been many yet the descendants of the first Caledonians have survived and prospered. Today, these descendants can be found throughout Antigonish County, surrounding communities, and the world over. It is these descendants who are the backbone of our culture, and it is through them that our traditions continue.

The Antigonish Highland Society continues to promote and preserve the dress, music, customs, traditions, language, literature, and athletics of the Caledonians of Scotland.

Our Mission Statement:

To be a community organization that serves the past, present, and future generations of Gaels. We are providers of and advocates for authentic living expressions of Highland Scottish heritage.

Our Vision:

To create a living and vibrant Scottish culture in Antigonish, and be the conduit for the North American Gael and all cultures to Gaelic heritage.

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