Kincardine Scottish Festival

2008

Kincardine was awash with tartans, plaids and the sound of bagpipes as the ninth Annual Scottish Festival resulted in, what may have been, the largest attendance in its history.

Kincardine Scottish Festival Chairman, Gordon Rodgers

Held over three days, July 4 to July 6, the event has become one of the most recognized Scottish Festivals in North America.  "We are now second in Ontario," says Festival Chairman, Gordon Rodgers, "next to Maxville, where they hold the Glengarry Games."

Rodgers goes on to add that, "If it weren't for the volunteers and sponsors, we could never make this happen.  Our sponsors, such as OPG, Bruce Power, Bruce Telecom, Zehr's, Crabby Joe's Restaurants and others, have provided not only financial help but in-kind sponsorship and our volunteers and Executive work tirelessly."

The weekend is a Scot's delight with Celtic concerts, Highland dancing, Heavy Events such as the caber toss and, of course, the pipes.

"We had over 30 pipe bands this year, including the famous Army Command Pipes and Drums from Ottawa.  This is a pipe band that rarely performs at festivals and we have been lucky enough to have them two years in a row." explains Rodgers.  "Of course, we have our own Kincardine Pipe Band which has become famous in its own right with several musicians going on to competitions."

The Celtic group, Glengarry Bhoys

In addition to the pipe bands, there were several Celtic groups, including the Glengarry Bhoys, Mad Violet, the Tartan Terrors and The Thogs among others.

"We'll begin planning next year's event within the next couple of weeks," explains Rodgers.  "We'll have an Executive meeting within a week and then a General Membership meeting.  That way everything is fresh in everyone's mind and we can look at how we can improve on things for next year ... which we are already looking forward to."

Mad Violet entertain with exquisite harmonies

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Festival Treasurer, Caroline Young and Honourary Grand Chieftain, Keith Davidson

Tartans & plaids were everywhere

Mad Violet

People couldn't help themselves as toes were tapping and hands were clapping to the sounds of Celtic music