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12th annual Kincardine Scottish Festival opens Friday night By Liz Dadson |
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 Piper Glenn Walpole (L) pipes in the Kincardine Scottish Festival committee and dignitaries onto the stage: Stephanie Cantwell, Diahanne Thomson, Dave Nathanson, Donna Sue Errington, Justine Watson, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, Sue Bradley, Kincardine mayor Larry Kraemer, Marion Fink, Festival Chieftain Rose Gentles, Beverley Renny, Sandy Donald, Tony Doherty, Gord Rogers, Dave McFarlane and Andy McBride  The Thogs perform, Charlie Steinhoff, Derek Cunningham and Randy Martin | |||||
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The 12th annual Kincardine Scottish Festival began Friday afternoon with a Ceilidh, featuring The Pleats, The Thogs, Poor Angus and The Glengarry Bhoys. The opening ceremonies, hosted by MC Andy McBride of Bluewater Radio, saw piper Glenn Walpole pipe in the festival committee and dignitaries, including the first female Festival Chieftain, Rose Gentles. Elizabeth Coates sang the national anthems of Canada, the United States and Scotland. Festival chairman Dave McFarlane welcomed everyone, visitors and locals, and said the competitions will be incredible. There are five Grade 1 bands coming to the festival which is amazing, given there are only 11 Grade 1 bands in North America. "We have a total of 33 bands competing and 22 dancers, tomorrow," he said. "We're pleased with the response from our participants, our volunteers, the business people of Kincardine, and the support of our community." He said Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, last year, encouraged the committee to apply for a Heritage Canada grant for the festival. "We did so, with the help of Lobb's office in Port Elgin and we received a $13,700 grant for this event," said McFarlane. "Thanks, Ben." Lobb said it's great to be part of such a great event. Kincardine mayor Larry Kraemer welcomed everyone to the festival and encouraged them to enjoy the great weather, the great location, and the good beer. "Have a great weekend and enjoy your stay in Kincardine." Gentles said she is honoured to be the first female Festival Chieftain. Her first official duty was to declare that if anyone wants to be part of Clan Kincardine, and wear the Kincardine tartan, he/she must seek her out and receive a certificate to that effect.
Festival Chieftain Rose Gentles greets the crowd
Elizabeth Coates sings the national anthems of Canada, the U.S. and Scotland
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 MC Andy McBride (R) wishes event manager Diahanne Thomson a Happy Birthday on Canada Day  Anne Eadie (L) and Joan Eadie check out the selection at Sharon's Creations, operated by Sharon Saric of Bobcaygeon, one of the vendors at the festival "This weekend is going to be wonderful," she said, "with more than 700 competitors." Saturday's events include a firefighters' breakfast, tea room, solo piping and solo drumming competitions, highland dancing contest, heavy events at Station Beach, children's events also at Station Beach, Parade of the Clans, and a pipe band competition. The main attraction is the massed pipe band at 8 p.m., beginning at Victoria Park, followed by an evening of Celtic music, with Poor Angus and The Glengarry Bhoys. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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