(Bethlehem Rose Photography)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

Céad Míle Fáilte

77th Red Deer Highland Games moving to new downtown home June 22

Jun 8, 2024 | 2:23 PM

Central Alberta’s long-running Highland Games are coming back to Red Deer proper.

On June 22, the 77th annual event will be staged on the grounds of Central Middle School, right in the heart of downtown, which will strongly feel the Scottish pride flowing.

(Below added June 22, 2024)

This marks a move from Springbrook where the games were stationed for a couple years after a long history in the city, including last at Westerner Park for the 73rd edition.

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Run by the Red Deer Highland Games Association (RDHGA), the event will feature a one mile kilted run to kick things off at 9 a.m., followed by all that you’d imagine at a Highland Games — piping and drumming, a shortbread competition, sheepdog demos, vendors, LARPing, Highland dancing, haggis, and of course the heavy athletics, plus much more.

(Bethlehem Rose Photography)

Ben Arthur, RDHGA president, says it’s been a large undertaking since leaving Westerner Park and surviving the pandemic.

“The mayor reached out and expressed that he’d like to have us come back into the city, so we embraced the downtown option as our new home and we hope to build something for the future,” says Arthur.

“While we can’t do anything for the daily operation of downtown, since we’re just one organization, we want to fill downtown Red Deer for one day this summer — fill the streets with people, but also fill the core with our culture, and that means the bagpipes, kilts, dancers and heavy events.”

Arthur says there’s no doubt that the thousands who attend will have fun.

(Bethlehem Rose Photography)

“We’ve got kids who learn to Highland dance starting very young, and this is an opportunity for them, in their own backyard, to show off their talents. We also have the Army Cadets pipe band, and this is their opportunity to show their skills. The athletes get to throw for a bigger crowd including friends and family,” says Arthur.

“Even down to the shortbread, and the puppy parade, there’s something for everyone to take pride in. This is truly an event for everyone — participants and onlookers.”

The event is rain or shine, with dancing taking place indoors at the school.

Tickets for the 77th Red Deer Highland Games are $15 for adults, $10 for children and seniors, and free for those five and under.

Individuals, groups, vendors and volunteers can still register through the event’s website.

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