Kingsville Highland Games return with record crowd

The Kingsville Highland Games took place over the weekend and the organizer said it was their biggest year yet.

The roar of bagpipes echoed throughout Kingsville, Ont. on Saturday with the return of the Highland Games.

Thousands of people walked the grounds at Colasantis, where a large field hosted Scottish traditions and Celtic Heritage.

Doug Plumb, chairman and founder of the Kingsville Highland Games, believes it was the “most successful” games in their history.

Comparing it to a “three-ring circus,” Plumb noted they offered events for everyone, from piping and drumming, heavy events like a Caber Toss, highland dancing, and sheep shearing and herding.

“We’ve been doing this since 2018, and I’m very, very happy with the turnout today and just the excitement that’s taking place out here,” Plumb said.

Kingsville managed to draw in highly competitive teams for each competition. Plumb explained that many teams often participate in circuits across different regions.

In the case of Tug of War, fans watched teams from Northern Ireland, Nova Scotia, and Iowa compete.

In 2025, the games were postponed due to what the organization then described as scheduling conflicts.

Taking a year away, Plumb said, helped them create a better event.

“I think that in part, that’s why we’re so well attended this year, is we took a year off last year only to form our own not-for-profit,” he explained. “So, we just decided to pump the brakes for a year, and then we found this location, so hopefully this will be our home.”

After a large turnout, Plumb added they’re hopeful to continue hosting the event at Colasantis.