Wet and wild Highland Games

In last week’s Chronicle, Montreal Highland Games President Kirk Johnstone was quoted as saying "In 32 years, we’ve only had a half day of rain." Johnstone must have forgotten to subsequently knock on wood as Sunday’s Games enjoyed bouts of torrential rain. Nevertheless, hundreds of competitors and enthusiasts from all over North America braved the showers in Pierrefonds at the annual Scottish festival.

The smaller than usual crowd of onlookers gave those who did attend a chance to notice the diverse array of pipers, drummers, athletes, and dancers who came from far and wide. "The best part is just seeing all the different bands and where they come from," said Bowmanville, Ont. native Greg Findlay, a piping veteran of 20 years who participates in Highland Games from Michigan to Quebec.

Kelsey Symington, 18, has been touring in pipe bands since the age of eight. "We go to seven different competitions every year, and two years ago we went to Scotland," said the Ajax, Ont. native.

Many had travelled much farther to compete in the Games, like the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders of Linville, North Carolina.

Most surprising were the Saint Patrick’s Battalion Pipe Band. Hailing from Mexico City, the group has travelled all over the world with their brand of Scottish culture. "I guess there’s a lot of amazement , people don’t really expect there could be a band from Mexico, its new for them, and its new for us to be in this," said drummer Daniela Gutiérrez.

The 24-year-old music teacher from the National University of Mexico has been participating for eight years. "It’s very hard to find pipers and drummers in Mexico," said Gutiérrez. "You need dedication. We practice two days a week and once a month we give a concert in a museum."

Participating in the 15-year-old Mexican pipe band doesn’t seem to necessitate having a Scottish background. "Some do have Scottish heritage, nevertheless there are people who are Mexican and identify with the music," said Gutiérrez.

With the rain coming and going, the beer tent was bustling with people enjoying the array of foods and beers available. Prince Edward Island native Jessica Arsenault, 23, did not attend to compete in any of the traditional competitions. "I started coming to highland games about three years ago," she said while wearing a fake moustache. "I've never found a group of people who can really match me as far as drinking abilities."

Whatever their competitions were and wherever they came from, all seemed to enjoy their time on a rainy Sunday in Pierrefonds.