FERGUS – The Fergus Scottish Festival is thrilled to be celebrating its 75th year of “Scotland without the Airfare” in 2020.
The theme for the 75th anniversary year is “Tartan Up” and the festival has many exciting plans in place for the entire community to do just that all year long, officials say.
The festival will take place Aug. 7 to 9.
“The festival volunteer team is already working hard on an exciting program for our 75th Festival weekend,” said David Radley, festival president.
Throughout 2020, the festival will be hosting and supporting monthly celebrations, beginning with the Fergus Pipe Band’s Robbie Burns Supper on Jan. 25 at the Fergus Legion.
The festival will be hosting its first Kilt Skate on Feb. 16, at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
The event will include an hour of free public skating complete with hot chocolate, shortbread, Scottish music, and more.
All participants are encouraged to “tartan up” and wear kilts to skate.
Details on these and all other monthly events can be found on the festival website at www.fergusscottishfestival.com.
In honour of the 75th anniversary, the festival is also collaborating with the Wellington County Museum and Archives to preserve 75 years of Fergus Scottish Festival history.
The museum and festival are looking for memorabilia, documents, objects or artifacts related to the festival and Highland Games of the past.
Anyone with items they would like the museum to consider for the collection can contact the museum directly at 519-846-0916 ext. 5221 or by email at karenw@wellington.ca.
An anniversary committee is putting plans in place to ensure Centre Wellington residents have a chance to enjoy events throughout this special anniversary year.
“The 75th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity for the festival to celebrate with CW residents as we showcase our community’s Scottish heritage,” said Rob Black, chair of the 75th Anniversary Committee.
“We want to thank the community for their support over 75 years, and hope they will join us as we celebrate this milestone anniversary in 2020.”
