BIBLE HILL, N.S. — Linda Finnie had mixed feelings as she talked about the end of the Colchester Highland Games & Gathering. The East Mountain woman poured a lot of her time and energy into organizing the event, which was first staged three years ago.
The decision to dissolve the society that ran the games was made because of a lack of volunteers prepared to take on major roles in the organization.
“After all the hard work I put in, it was quite deflating, but on one hand it’s a relief,” said Finnie. “It was a lot of work organizing things, especially during the first two years. It’s sad to see it done after three years; I would have loved to see it go further, but because of personal circumstances I wasn’t able to continue in my position.”
Experience enabled planning to go much smoother last year, but then Hurricane Dorian arrived, forcing the main event, scheduled for the ballfields on Jennifer Drive, to be cancelled. A smaller Hurricane Highland Games Extravaganza was held on the Friday evening of that week, drawing a large crowd to Truro's Civic Square.
During the past few months a number of volunteers had to step down from the society, due to moving from the area and health issues.
The funds the organization had left were donated to other non-profit groups, with some going into a trust for a Celtic college, which will promote and hold events for a variety of Celtic activities such as dancing and historical re-enactments. Finnie plans to be involved in some of the activities, including teaching ceilidh dancing – which she first learned at school in Scotland.
The Colchester Highland Games & Gathering included Scottish tribal music, historical re-enactments, heavy games, highland dancing, Irish dancing, clan displays, military displays, pipe bands, workshops, wrestling, tug of war, and food.
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A Colchester Highland Games Ceilidh Dance Party, for games volunteers, supporters and their families (19 or older), is being held at the Holiday Inn at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18.
Music will be provided by New Scotland Ceilidh Band, and there will be dance callers, door prizes and a cash bar.
Tickets are free and are available on Eventbrite.
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The Annual Colchester Highland Dance Association Competition, which had been scheduled to take place during last year’s games, is being held Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Best Western Glengarry. Competition begins at 8 a.m. and runs into the afternoon. Admission is $3.
