Cold Lake Dancers Shine at Canmore Highland Games

Four young dancers from Cold Lake put their town on the map this past weekend at the Canmore Highland Games, the largest Highland Games in Western Canada and one of the most celebrated gatherings of Scottish culture in the Rockies. Under the guidance of their teacher, Ava Simmons, Blayke Marshall, Lexi Sayer, Emily Cove, and Brooke Kenna brought home an impressive collection of medals.

“These results are a testament to the girls’ commitment,” said teacher Ava Simmons.

Competition Results

Day One Highlights

• Blayke – 1st place Fling, 4th place Seann Triubhas

• Emily – 1st place Flora

• Lexi – 2nd place Fling, 7th place Seann Triubhas, 4th place Lilt, 2nd place Flora

• Brooke – 5th place Seann Triubhas

Day Two Highlights

• Blayke – 6th place Fling, 1st place Sword

• Emily – 5th place Sword

• Brooke – 5th place Sword, 5th place Flora

• Lexi – 1st place Fling, 3rd place Sword, 5th place Lilt, 2nd place Flora

From the Fling to the Sword, these dancers proved their strength on one of the biggest Highland dance stages in Canada. With every step, leap, and turn, they represented Cold Lake with pride — and showed that small-town dedication can shine on a national stage.

The Spirit of the Highland Games

Since 1991, the Canmore Highland Games have drawn thousands to the Bow Valley each Labour Day weekend. With bagpipes echoing off the mountains, athletes hurling cabers, and clans gathering in celebration, the Games are a living tribute to Scottish tradition. For Highland dancers, the competition is one of the most prestigious stages in Western Canada.

Highland dance isn’t just performance — it’s athleticism, stamina, and cultural preservation in motion. For Cold Lake’s dancers to place among the best in Western Canada is proof of their discipline and resilience. Each medal reflects not only hours of training but also the strength of a community that supports its youth in keeping heritage alive.

“These results are a testament to the girls’ commitment,” said teacher Ava Simmons. “They’ve trained hard, and to see them succeed at a competition of this level makes me proud not just as their teacher, but as someone who wants to see this tradition carried forward.”