The Saugeen Times

Pipes and drums return to Kincardine for 11th annual Scottish Festival

The crowd flocks to the pipe band competition

Hammer throw

If you love to hear the skirl of the bagpipes and the beat of the drums, make your way to Kincardine for the 11th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games, set for July 2-4.

The event features competitions for pipers and drummers, pipe bands, and highland dancers, all in Victoria Park in downtown Kincardine.

With 30 pipe bands, hundreds of pipers and drummers and 200 dancers competing, the festival is a crowd-pleaser, drawing thousands of visitors every year.

caber

Caber toss

The ever-popular heavy events are held on the field behind St. Anthony's School, just a shuttle bus up the road from the festival grounds, on the Saturday. Featured athletes will be participating in caber tossing, stone and hammer throwing.

Cabers the size of telephone poles will be tossed, hammers will be thrown distances greater than 100 feet while the athletes will shot-put stones the size of bowling balls. Be sure to check out the heavy event competition for a full day of exciting action.

The Parade of the Clans is also held Saturday at 11 a.m., beginning at the Kincardine Legion and marching to Victoria Park.

bears

Vendors sell Scottish wares

Beside the park is Clan Avenue where you can check out your family name and discover whether you are, indeed, Scottish and have a distinctive tartan and a family coat of arms. Vendors will be on hand, selling Scottish wares.

A rousing line up of entertainers this year ranges from traditional Scottish tunes to Celtic Rock. A sample of the line up includes:

The Glengarry Bhoys
Needfire
The Thogs
Local Kincardine talent

The Kincardine Scottish Festival began in 2000 and has played host to thousands of visitors from across the province, the country and around the world. Created by a handful of dedicated volunteers who sought to promote the Scottish heritage of the region, the event has grown to become one of the most enjoyed and recognized festivals in Ontario.

So, mark July 2-4 on your calendar and come out and enjoy the Kincardine Scottish Festival, an affordable, family-oriented event steeped in tradition, excitement and fun.

For more information, contact the festival office at 519-396-9300 or 1-888-232-7952 or by E-mail at office@kincardinescottishfestival.ca Or check out the website at www.kincardinescottishfestival.ca