Competitors in the various heavy weight events displayed incredible strength and agility during the 2023 Glengarry Highland Games.  Tinkess Photo

MAXVILLE – As quickly as the mist departs from the moors upon the rising of the sun, the 74th edition of the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville have come and gone, leaving behind pleasant memories and expectations of what edition 75 will bring.

Organizers could not have hoped for better weather. While it was quite warm, there was a gentle breeze on Saturday, keeping things comfortable. Those who arrived early took full advantage of the numerous shady spots surrounding the infield, but even if you weren’t able to command one of the prime locations, there was enough shade and events within the various outbuildings and the arena to provide ample opportunity to get out of the sun for a bit.

How would you describe the Highland Games to someone who had never attended them? It could be difficult, or at least take a while because there is just so much going on, and seemingly all at once. There is an athletic competition, divided along the lines of age and gender, offering events requiring strength, speed, and agility that you won’t find elsewhere.

They are a celebration of artistic interpretation through song and dance. You can compete as a group, or as an individual, as a novice or as a seasoned professional.

They are a celebration of history and heritage, an opportunity for some to discover from whence they came and for others to share the pride with others from far and wide with whom they share a common genetic link.

They are a homecoming and a welcome to newcomers. They are a chance to eat, drink, and celebrate, a chance to see old friends and meet new ones.

And we cannot forget about the tartans, and, of course, the kilts. It would have probably been easier to count those not wearing a kilt than those who were.

The guest of honour for the 74th Glengarry Highland Games is well known for his rough and ready style of play on the ice. Maxville native John “Moose” Wensink won a Memorial Cup as a member of the Cornwall Royals Junior “A” hockey team, but also spent ten seasons in the NHL. Wensink currently lives near St. Louis, Missouri, but maintains ties with friends and family in Eastern Ontario. These two things, hockey, and home are constants in his life.

The Highland Games is always a perfect time for family, friends, and acquaintances to get together, and for me, it’s always been a bit of a town reunion,” said Wensink, during the opening ceremonies. “I’ve always been proud to say I’m from Max. Over the past week, I’ve been asked many times, are you still involved with the game of hockey? My answer is the game has never left me.”

Wensink spoke about driving two hours to take his grandson to practice, then driving two hours home, only to be asked to do the same thing the next day. He did, of course. It’s what you do.

The story however, that particularly pleased the crowd, was of his time with the Quebec Nordiques, and one game in particular against the Edmonton Oilers and Wayne Gretzky, who was in his prime. Wensink’s line was given the assignment of stopping the Gretzky line, a daunting task.

“My energy level that particular day was at an all-time high,” said Wensink. “As I left the house for the game, my wife was a little nervous, concerned about what would take place in the game and my actions. She did not have to worry. Gretzky’s line got zero points.

“I got a hattrick. Not bad for a kid from Maxville.”

The Glengarry Highland Games are all these things mentioned above and more, and they are incredibly popular. Well into Saturday afternoon vehicles were still lined up bumper to bumper, trying to get into the parking lot. If there was any complaint, it would probably touch on how difficult it was to leave the site. A two-lane, two-way road where parked cars took up much of one lane really doesn’t work well. A close look at alternatives would be welcomed and would make an amazing event even more so.

Attendance numbers were not currently available, but in the second year past the pandemic things felt like they used to. The sun, the crowd, the sound of the pipes, all these things that make the Glengarry Highland Games an occasion that is looked forward to by so many. The 75th edition takes place on Aug. 2-3, 2024, and it can’t come soon enough!