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The 11th annual Kincardine Scottish Festival was another great success, drawing about 10,000 people to the events held in Victoria Park and at the field behind St. Anthony's School.

Festival chairman David McFarlane said the band coming the furthest distance was from Chicago.

"They were blown away by the welcome they received in Kincardine," he said. "Nobody has ever treated them so well and they'll certain be coming back."

In the battle of the pipe bands, the Peel Regional Pipe Band defeated the Fraser Highlanders for the first time. Also on hand was the OPP Commissioner's Pipe Band, marching in the parade on the Saturday morning, and at the opening of the heavy games later on.

"We're hoping to have them with us again," said McFarlane.

He said more people were trying to enter the amateur portion of the heavy games, but they have to pre-register in order to participate.

The festival chieftain, Duncan Hawthorne, president and chief executive officer of Bruce Power, was a wonderful ambassador, said McFarlane.

"All in all, people seemed to have a good time," he said. "The band, Needfire from Texas, had a great time and commented that people were friendly and welcoming."

McFarlane said there were more people walking around in the downtown core than in other years which is a big plus for the retail community.

The festival committee will be meeting July 20, he said, to discuss this year's event and the "lessons learned."

"We're looking at not charging admission for the Sunday afternoon concert," he said, "to show appreciation to the people of Kincardine who support us throughout the weekend."

He said the beer gardens was sold out Saturday night, and was quite busy right after the pipe band competition in the afternoon.

As for becoming an independent organization, McFarlane said the committee is awaiting word from Revenue Canada.

"We have our letters patent and our bylaws are in place," he said. "It could take six to eight months to clear all the hurdles. It'll likely be November before we become Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games Inc."

Kaitlin Kimove of Mississauga, a member Kincardine's Penetangore Band, practises on the bagpipes

Cameron McKail, 11, of Hamilton practises his drumming for the competition



Emma St. Arnaud (L) and Maleigh Henderson, both 8, of Owen Sound, practise their highland dance steps

Once in place, the first order of business will be to hold a meeting and elect a slate of officers, he said.

Meanwhile, the competition results from the festival are now available. Local piper Glenn Walpole won the senior amateur piobaireachd.

To check the piping, drumming and pipe band results, click here

For the results of the highland dancing competition, click here

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Thursday, July 15, 2010