Highland Games

What a day… I had wanted to write something last night but was to tired after the events of the day. I got down there about 10:30 and saw that Shannon, Susan and Mom had the tent set up and the banners looked awesome. The display stuff from April and Bill at the Scottish Company looked great.
The only bad part of the morning was the boneheadness of the School Board in cancelling, on Friday night, the parking at Park School. Which they said they needed for teachers to mark papers. Understandable, if they were going to be there, but 1 teacher showed up. 150 parking spots were lost. Another great move by Halton District School Board. That is a topic for another day…..

I had a picture with the 78th Fraser Highlanders. There uniforms were unbelievable and when they fired there musket volley it shook the fairgrounds. Here is a piece on their history from their website.

“The final phase of the 150-year struggle between Britain and France in North America began in 1754. It became clear that large-scale military action in the colonial conflict was needed if Britain was to prevail. This would require sending British regulars to North America. Authority was granted for the raising of two Highland Battalions, the 62nd Regiment of Foot (Montgomery's Highlanders) and the 63rd Regiment of Foot (Fraser's Highlanders), for service in the New World.”
Afterwards I wandered with Spike to see the tents and booths there. I wanted to find another bear with the Somerville tartan. Last year I got one but it was given to wee Cousin Megan in Virginia. She loved the bear and Tim and I gave it to her as a memento of the Williamsburg Highland games. Megan is now battling leukemia and is fighting strong. The booth owner was overwhelmed by Somervilles looking for bears she is going to order the tartan and make the. The Somerville Girls of Georgetown all wanted one. Shannon is organising that one!



We formed up in the parade as the sunshine disappeared and steady “Scotch Mist” came in. I had the honour of being driven by my friend John Tatham in his 1953 Vintage Willy’s Jeep. The family let by Mom, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bill walked in behind the Somerville banner. It was great the Cousin Mike could join us!
Seeing the opening of the Games from the booth was unbelievable. The mass bands from that angle were truly a sight. Over 30 bands struck up to play after the Highlanders marched a formed an honour guard to fire their muskets. Following the bands was the Highland fling, these poor wee girls were dancing as the worst of the rain for the day fell. Some as young as 4.

I met a couple of great Somervilles who were in attendence. Bill Somerville who is from the Lanarkshire area of Scotland runs a store with is wife April called “The Scottish Company”. A great place for kilts and accessories as well as other Scottish and Irish items.
The other is Scott Somerville who is the CAO for the Township of King. He was there with his family and told us of the Somervilles from his branch settling in the Alliston area. Mike Somerville from Mississauga who would be a cousin had to go before I could chat with him, but a good connection was made.
After the closing mass bands, we all made our way to Chris and Karen’s for the Somerville Caleigh! The version of Amazing grace was spectacular. They were gracious hosts and ensured we all had tons to eat, drink and a dry place from the rain! Tim’s address to the haggis was excellent! With a loaf of Wonder Bread standing in for the Haggis…


Festivals like this remind us of our heritage but also help us learn about other cultures. They can be to get us out to have some fun, some great food and to see friends and families. They become an important part of our lives. My Parents met 61 years ago at the Fergus Highland Games.
I will have more on Festivals in another posting.