Programme

Schedule of Events

TIMEEVENTLOCATION
7:00 amGATES OPEN for the 87th Time!Embro Grounds
8:00 amHighland Dance Registration opensInside the Arena
8:30 am – 12:00 pmSolo Piping CompetitionEast side of Main Field
8:30 am – 12:00 pmSolo Drumming CompetitionNorth side of Main Field
8:55 amTown Crier (Doug Turvey)Over the Main PA
9:00 am – 4:00 pmHighland Dance CompetitionArena – Dance Stage
9:15 am – 9:35 amSheep Herding Demonstration (Show # 1)Sheep Pen
9:30 am – NoonTug-of-War CompetitionTug-of-War Pitch
9:45 am – 10:45 amDog Agility Demonstration (Show # 1)Dog Den
10:00 am – 5:00 pmLocal Craft Brew Gardens openSouth East Field
10:00 am – 12:00 pmChildren’s Scottish CraftsGreat Hall
10:30 am – 11:30 amHeavy Events – 30lb Stone Throw followed by OpenHeavy Events Field
10:30 am – 11:20 amLive Celtic Music: The Paddy Stones (Set # 1)Muckle Tent
10:45 amCeltic Fiddle ShowcaseGreat Hall
11:00 am – 3:00 pmScottish Tea Room by Knox Presbyterian Church EmbroArena Lobby
11:30 am – 12:00 pmHeavy Events – Light Weight for DistanceHeavy Events Field
11:30 am – 12:20 pmLive Celtic Music: The Devil’s Brigade (Set # 1)Muckle Tent
12:30 pm – 1:00 pmOfficial Opening Ceremonies & Massed BandsMain Field
1:00 pm – 1:50 pmLive Celtic Music: The Paddy Stones (Set # 2)Muckle Tent
1:10 pm – 1:30 pmDavid Prosser reads excerpts from Rev. Dr. George Leslie Mackay’s From Far Formosa – 1895.Great Hall
1:15 pm – 1:35 pmSheep Herding Demonstration (Show # 2)Sheep Pen
1:30 pm – 2:30 pmEntertainment showcasing Taiwanese CultureGreat Hall
1:00 pm – 3:00 pmScottish Tea Room by Knox Presbyterian Church EmbroArena Lobby
1:00 pm – 4:00 pmChildren’s Scottish CraftsGreat Hall
1:15 pm – 4:00 pmHighland Dance Competition resumesArena – Dance Stage
1:30 pm – 2:30 pmHeavy Events – Scottish Heavy Hammer ThrowHeavy Events Field
1:30 pm – 4:00 pmPipe Band CompetitionsMain Field
1:30 pm – 4:00 pmTug-of-War Competition resumesTug-of-War Pitch
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmDog Agility Demonstration (Show # 2)Dog Den
2:00 pm – 2:50 pmLive Celtic Music: The Devil’s Brigade (Set # 2)Muckle Tent
2:30 pm – 3:30 pmHeavy Events – Caber & Challenge CaberHeavy Events Field
3:00 pm – 3:20 pmDavid Prosser reads 1893 Tug-of-War excerpts from One Hundred Years in the Zorra Church – 1930Great Hall
3:30 pm – 3:50 pmScottish Cooking Show – with the owners of Madmash Brewery & Restaurant, TavistockGreat Hall
3:00 pm – 3:40 pmLive Celtic Music: The Devil’s Brigade (Set # 3)Muckle Tent
3:30 pm – 3:50 pmSheep Herding Demonstration (Show # 3)Sheep Pen
3:45 pm – 4:15 pmHeavy Events – Weight for HeightHeavy Events Field
3:50 pm – 4:30 pmLive Celtic Music: The Paddy Stones (Set # 3)Muckle Tent
4:30 pm – 4:50 pmMASSED BANDS & AwardsMain Field

Open For the Entire Day

Visitors’ Tent – see Site Map
Clans & Vendors – see Site Map
Scottish Livestock Display – see Site Map
Oxford Weavers & Spinners Guild – see Site Map
“Put me in the Picture” Boards – in various locations across the Grounds (look for all 9)

Great Hall Exhibits: The Taiwanese Legacy of George Leslie Mackay; Tartans on Display; 85th Embro Highland Games Anniversary Exhibit,;The Mighty Men of Zorra; Embro Highland Games; Zorra Heritage

Location Information

Embro Zorra Community Centre

355644 35th Line
Embro, ON
N0J 1J0

See Map / Get Directions

Visitors’ Tent

The friendly staff at the Visitor and Volunteer tent are more than happy to help you with any questions or concerns that you may have. Report any items that have been lost or found to a staff member at the Visitors’ Tent.

Snap a photo at one of the “selfie boards”, or get up close and personal with a set of  bagpipes. If you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your amazing day out at the Games, check out the beautiful Embro Highland Games T-shirts and baseball hats!

Zorra Caledonian Society’s Official Tartan

This tartan was commissioned in 2012 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Zorra Caledonian Society, organizer of the Embro Highland Games.

It was received by the Scottish Register of Tartans for permanent preservation in the National Records of Scotland.

Our Tartan is available for purchase by the yard, scarf, kilt or other tailored items by contacting via email. 

Visit MacLeods Scottish Shop Website

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in volunteering.  How do I get involved? 

We love volunteers! Please send an email with your contact information to [email protected] and let us know you would like to help. Please indicate if there is a certain area of the Games that interests you.

Are dogs allowed on the grounds at the Games?

Yes. Dogs are allowed provided that they are on a leash at all times and are picked up after of course. We also ask that dog owners be mindful of the other animals that are part of the attractions of the Games (sheep, agility dogs, livestock) as to not distract.

Do you take Debit/Credit cards?

Yes. Many of our Vendors accept debit/credit.  We have debit machines at the main entrance; however, service is dependent on wifi connectivity. There is also an ATM located in the lobby of the Community Centre. *N.B. This year, guests may purchase tickets online prior to the Games.

Is there parking on the Grounds?

Yes. Parking is free on the grounds and you will be directed by our parking attendants to the next available parking spot.  There are designated handicap spaces reserved as well. We also offer golf cart rides to shuttle guests with mobility issues to and from their vehicles.

Are the Grounds accessible?

Yes. The entire area is one level. There are accessible washroom facilities at various locations on the grounds.

What should visitors bring to the Games?

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs as many of our events take place in open grassy areas. We also encourage reusable water bottles.

Is this a licensed event?

Yes. Only alcohol purchased from our licensed vendors is permitted on the grounds. We are happy to say that the entire Grounds are licensed so visitors to the Games may enjoy their purchased beverages while enjoying all of the attractions, or while having a seat in the Outdoor Bar listening to our live entertainment.

Do I get refunded if the weather is bad?

No. Our event will run – rain or shine! So bring an umbrella if the forecast looks bad. We do not offer refunds.

What is the cost of admission? 

The cost for adult admission is $30.00 ($27.50 if you purchase online); youth tickets are $10.00; children under 12 are FREE! You may pay for tickets at the gate on the day of the Games.

What is included in the cost of admission? 

Once you have paid to get inside the gates, all attractions, including the live music concerts are included!  You may of course decide to purchase food, beverages and souvenirs at your own additional cost.

Will there be food and drink available to buy?

Yes.  There will be a variety of food trucks and concessions available. There is also an Outdoor Bar located back by the Muckle Tent where you can purchase beer and alcoholic beverages. You may enjoy these refreshments while walking around our fully licensed grounds or find a spot to sit and listen to our wonderful live entertainment. 

Can I bring my own food & drink?

You may bring your own food and drink provided that the drinks are non-alcoholic. Our liquor license does NOT permit any alcoholic beverages from outside the Games that are not purchased on site.

Is there a Lost & Found area?

Yes. All lost and found items will be returned to the Visitors’ Tent located just inside the entrance gates.