On July 13, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore announced Federal funding to a number of arts and heritage organizations in Southwestern Ontario, including $23,800 in support for the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
The support is part of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. The program’s local festivals stream supports recurring festivals that present the work of local artists or performers of local historical heritage and are open to the general public.
Support from the department will allow the Festival to expand its promotion, publicity, and marketing; the Pipes, Plaid and Pageantry Parade; and, the Thursday night Sneak McPeek in downtown Fergus.
It will also allow for the development of a new display, The Scottish in Canada: The Shaping of a Nation. That new display will focus on the contribution of Scots in the development of Canada.
“We are honoured that the Department of Canadian Heritage has recognized the significance of the Fergus Scottish Festival with this generous financial support,” said Warren Trask, the Festival president. “This funding will allow the festival to focus on expanding its programming to encompass more local artists and heritage experts. This will benefit our local artists while enhancing the festival experience for our guests.”
The 66th annual Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games will take place from Aug. 12 to 14 at the Centre Wellington community Sportsplex in Fergus. The 2011 festival will feature author Diana Gabaldon, international singing sensation John McDermott at the Friday night Tattoo, and the Canadian Tug-of-War championships, Heavy Events and other Scottish attractions. For ticket information and to purchase tickets, order online at www.fergusscottishfestival.com or contact the Festival office at 519-787-0099.
