For three days, people from around the world will return here to take part in the music, sport and community spirit of the Fergus Scottish Festival.
The event runs from Aug. 10 to 12, featuring hundreds of Highland dancers, vendors, athletes and musicians joining together to celebrate the heritage and culture of all things Scottish in a town renowned for its Scottish roots.
To kick things off, the party starts in the heart of downtown Fergus on Thursday evening with the Pipes, Plaid and Pageantry Parade beginning at 7:30pm at Victoria Park, the corner of St. David Street and Albert Street. The route will go west St. David Street to Blair Street and end at the Fergus Legion.
Now in it’s second year, the parade has become a family favorite kick-off to the weekend.
The parade, presented in partnership between the festival and Fergus Legion Branch 275, will include a band salute to Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj and Legion president, Greg Manion.
Veterans will be present, as part of the reviewing stand, to be honoured by the bands in a fitting tribute to their service.
Parade organizers invite groups, teams or clubs to register to join in the festivities. Forms are available online at www.fergusscottishfestival.com.
Downtown restaurants, pubs, the Fergus Legion and the Fergus Grand Theatre will feature live music throughout the weekend, including both local performers and internationally-recognized artists.
Wandering pipers and performers will entertain passersby in the downtown core.
A main stage will be in front of the Fergus branch of the Wellington County Library, for set shows to take place beginning at noon on Friday, running until 4pm.
Older Voices theatrical group will be offering historical costumed walking tours on Friday at 11am and 2pm to give visitors and locals alike a whole new view of Fergus and its proud history.
The highlight will be a Ceilidh Concert at the Fergus Grand Theatre at 8pm Saturday night. The evening will feature performers such as Tommy Leadbeater, James McKie, Terry Van Dreumel,David Leask, Janice Howie and Nick Gush.
Tickets for the Ceilidh are $25 or $15 with a festival wristband. Contact the Fergus Grand Theatre at 519-787-1981 or visit www.fergusgrandtheatre.com for more details.
For a complete line-up of the downtown Fergus entertainment visit www.fergusscottishfestival.com or call 519-787-0099.
For more information about this year's Fergus Scottish Festival click here.
