It was a Scottish invasion and local pub owners welcomed them with open arms.
On April 5, the community marked its second annual Tartan Day – part of international events across the globe celebrating Scotlands history and heritage.
What is Tartan Day?
Tartan Day is a celebration of Scotland – its people, its heritage, its history, and its culture.
From the declaration of Arbroath on April 6, 1320, which triggered the birth of democracy for the people of Scotland, to the contributions made by Scotish people, it is now a reason to celebrate all things Scottish.
Tartan Day was first celebrated in Canada in 2004 and quickly joined by the United States. It is a new celebration in North America but is getting more popular each year.
What happens on Tartan Day?
Tartan Day in Scotland is a week long celebration with events taking place all over the country starting April 6. Here in North America, Scots and Scottish descendants celebrate by proudly wearing their tartan, sharing in fellowship, Scottish fare, songs, and stories and music from their homeland.
Locally, this marks the second anniversary of the event.
In 2008, the beginnings of Tartan Day were coordinated through the Wee Scottish Shop and the Goofie Newfie in the Fergus Marketplace building.
Elora Fergus Tourism and the Fergus Scottish Festival provided financial support to these two businesses to offer a day of Scottish activities, music, dance and fun. The Fergus Pipe Band and Grand Celtic Pipe Band, both of Fergus, offered entertainment along with regional favourite – Poor Angus.
As a result of the growing enthusiasm, restaurants and pubs in downtown Fergus are asked to partner and build on that success.
The Fergus Scottish Festival also used the day to launch new promotional material for 2009 and agreed to coordinate dancers, trivia, and festival giveaways at each of the Kilted Krawl locations.
Musicians and groups for the event included Andy Webster, Fergus Pipe Band, Grand Celtic Pipe Band and dancers, Blue Grass House Band, Highland Dancers, Nonie Crete, ScIrish, Daniel McLaughlan, roving pipers, Blackthorn Reenactments, and Fiddlestix Celtic Rock Band.
