Hororata Highland Games 2020
The 10th annual Hororata Highland Games were held on Saturday 7th November and attracted a crowd of over 8,000 people on a day that was heavily overcast. Fortunately, the forecasted rain held off until after the event.
Bands parading in the main arena.
Ten years ago, the Hororata community came up with an idea to raise funds and spirits after the devastating September 2010 earthquake and as a result the Hororata Highland Games were born. The Hororata Highland Games have developed to become a special event that celebrates Hororata, the greater Canterbury community, traditional Highland activities, and Scottish traditions.
The Games have a rich tapestry of culture surrounding unique and entertaining competitions such as the Kilted Mile. Each year the organisers do a wonderful job of refreshing the programme by introducing some new features. This year it was the inclusion of over 40 of New Zealand’s oldest cars including some with a Scottish heritage, and the Scottish farmyard.
Some of the vintage cars on display.
Two vehicles with a Scottish heritage were a 1905 Argyll and a 1912 Albion
The number of Clans represented at the Games continues to grow with 17 in attendance in St Andrews Square this year.
Clan Donald Canterbury members manning the Clan Donald tent were joined by Tom McDonald and Lynnette McDonald from Auckland and Roz McKechnie from Dunedin. We had a steady stream of visitors and were successful in recruiting 13 new members (including several family groups).
Pictured in front of the Clan Donald tent are Margaret Donald, Brent Tomlinson, Lynnette and Tom McDonald
Clan Donald member, Sheila Cuthbertson gave a spinning demonstration in the Clan area.
The ancient game of Kubb attracted a lot of interest and participation. The objective of the game is to knock over the wooden blocks (kubbs) by throwing a wooden baton.