Large crowds enjoyed the 2017 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games last weekend despite severe weather concerns, which forced the cancellation of Friday night festivities.
“We did have to shut things down Friday night, which most people were very good about,” said festival president Dave Radley. While a few people were “annoyed” about the situation, many seemed happy enough to take up organizers’ offer to attend on either Saturday or Sunday.
Radley said that might have led to a bump in attendance Saturday, which saw large crowds on hand for everything from the welcoming ceremonies, where the stands were packed, to the heavy events.
“Saturday and Sunday were phenomenal,” said Radley, who noted on Aug. 14 that final attendance counts were not yet available.
With a light schedule of competitions set for Friday evening, Radley said organizers had no trouble fitting all the main competitions into the shortened schedule.
A large field of international competitors were on hand in the heavy events and while registration for the highland dancing competition was down this year, Radley said, “we had a great competition, some great dancing.”
This year’s festival also featured the largest ever turnout of clans, with 47 registered.
Radley said attendees we really enjoyed the educational component of the event.
“We pride ourselves on being the most balanced Scottish Festival in Canada,” he explained, noting that while Fergus can’t boast the largest dancing competition, “we put on the best heavy events competitions” and the clan gatherings are also first rate events.
Putting it all together takes an enormous amount of work from about 180 volunteers, without whom the event just wouldn’t happen, said Radley.
“We really appreciate our volunteers,” he stressed.
