From Aug. 9 to 11, the Scottish-settled town of Fergus celebrates its heritage the best way they know how.
This year’s 68th Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games will start off with the fourth annual Pipes, Plaid and Pageantry Parade on Thursday night with a new route, with a tribute to the late Comrade Byron “Barney” Biernes, a Legion member and proud supporter of the event.
The Tattoo on Aug. 9 is a fine example of Scottish celebrations, with the thunderous pipes of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada; traditional highland dancing by the Schiehallion Dancers, and a heavy events display.
The Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation’s National Men’s Heavy Events Championship and the Canadian National Tug-of-War Championship are two of the featured competitions this year.
The event will host New York Times best selling author Diana Gabaldon, who is renowned for her Scottish-inspired Outlander Series. Fans can meet Gabaldon during her book signing and reading.
Along with new and returning vendors, the weekend offers all kinds of Scottish and non-Scottish foods and fares; the full Highland Dance Competition; and the festival must-have of Pipe and Drum competitions.
Live entertainment is also a big part of the weekend, with new and returning artists in a variety of venues. The Saturday Night Ceilidh is downtown at the Fergus Grand Theatre, guaranteed to be an upbeat show.
A free shuttle bus between Elora and Fergus to the festival site runs all weekend long and a Red Car Service bus running from the Delta Hotel in Guelph for a low, round-trip cost throughout the weekend. For more information or tickets to The 68th Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games call 519-787-0099 or online at www.fergusscottishfestival.com.
Brand New for 2013 is a Guinness World Record attempt for the most cabers flipped simultaneously.
