The Highland Games will not be returning to Grande Prairie in 2023, after organizers announced the decision to cancel the Scottish and Celtic celebrations.
In a statement, Grande Prairie Highland Games Association Board Present Margaret Popek says, in addition to the lingering effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainty of the fires and smoke creating potential issues on the June 10th date of the event, organizers felt best that an outright cancellation was the best move.
“There are many participants coming from all across Alberta, Canada, and the USA and we don’t want them to spend their time and money to come here when there is the possibility that events beyond our control will prevent the games from happening. We are very disappointed that we have had to make this decision but feel that it is the right one for this year.”.
The games were set to the be the first edition of the event in the city since 2019.