Where can someone get modern and traditional Celtic music, watch men toss cabers, hear the cry of bagpipes, see dancers perform routines once banned by England, mingle with artisans, listen to best-selling authors, and research a family history?
It is all at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games this weekend, one of North America’s largest and celebrations of Scottish culture.
Fergus is expected to attract about 30,000 visitors. What started in 1946 as a way to celebrate its Scottish roots grew into a three-day event.
There is something for everyone in music this year – from the Celtic punk rock of The Mudmen to the Juno-award winning Canadian powerhouse Leahy. Catch a rare glimpse of Forged in Fire, a new play based on the life of Scottish patriot William Wallace, marvel at one of the largest military tattoos assembled on the continent, and meet Diana Gabaldon, author of the best-selling Outlander novels.
There is the food (including haggis), children’s games, the Heavy Events, historical lectures, sword fights, pipe bands, scotch experts, kilt-making lessons, sheep shearing, pubs, and the Avenue of the Clans.
Downtown Fergus will be packed, too, with historical walking tours, medieval re-enactments , jam sessions and a chance to meet the brothers who helped create the new Hockey Night in Canada theme.
