Games are cultural celebration
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/07/2010 (5781 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
KENTON — The pipes were calling the people of Kenton out to the fairgrounds for the Westman Scottish Association’s 10th annual Caledonian Games on Sunday.
Jean Caldwell, who moved to Kenton from Scotland 15 years ago, led the parade and opened the festivities with a speech as the event’s Chieftain. She says her son, David, came up with the idea for the Caledonian Games.
"In Scotland, they have a lot of Highland Games that celebrate our history and culture and see who’s the strongest and fastest, etc. We thought it would be fun to do a small one here. We wanted to have them on our farm just with some friends, but there wasn’t enough room. When we decided to have them at the fairgrounds, it made sense to get the community involved," Caldwell said.
The afternoon’s activities included toss the sheaf, where men used a pitchfork to toss a bag of wheat over a bar that was continually raised as participants were eliminated, a porridge eating contest, a tug of war and hurlin’ the haggis, a women’s event that challenged how far the ladies could hurl a soft toy moulded to look like the traditional Scottish meal.
Events for the kids included a slow bicycle race and a Highland egg toss.
Highland dancers from Minnedosa and Brandon and the 26th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery Pipe Band performed throughout the day.
Lesley Gentles, president of the Westman Scottish Association, moved from Scotland eight years ago.
She says she enjoys showcasing part of her Scottish roots.
"It’s fun to be around other Scots and celebrate our traditions while also showing Canadians part of Scotland’s culture and heritage," Gentles said.
Sisters Willie McKenzie of Souris and Ann Allnutt of Brandon took in the games on the hot and sunny Sunday.
They said the games bring back good memories of their Scottish father from their childhood.
"Our father came over from Scotland, so we always had a (Robert) Burns night and haggis. It’s just in our blood. We like to come out and see the pipes and drums. They sound so good outdoors," Allnutt said.
Beryl Niven lives in Scotland but was out visiting the Caldwells, old friends from Scotland. She was the first woman to finish in the porridge eating contest and said it she was having a great afternoon in Kenton.
"It’s lovely. It’s a small version of what we get in Scotland. It’s nice to see it in a small Canadian community."
