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Scottish Festival weekend is almost here

Festival is having its first in-person event since 2019

FERGUS – Scottish Festival weekend has arrived in Fergus for the first time in-person since 2019. 

The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is a three day celebration of all things Scottish with this year’s being the 77th edition of the annual festival.

The official events are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers and organizers were setting up booths, tents, and audio on Thursday morning in anticipation of the weekend.

“People are very positive that they’re going to have this live experience back,” said festival executive director Elizabeth Bender in a news release. 

“There really is nothing like being at the live event — seeing that caber being thrown across the field and the sound of the pipes and the cheers of the crowds. We can’t wait to get going.”

Events include: 

  • Heavy events featuring athletes from around the world competing in traditional Scottish events that test strength and power
  • Highland dance and pipe and drum competitions
  • Heritage activities including demonstrations, lectures, entertainment and displays
  • Special guests including Outlander author Diana Gabaldon and cast members Duncan Lacroix and Gillebride MacMillan from the TV series
  • Musical entertainment including Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Mudmen
  • Whisky tastings, tea room, a genealogy centre to help visitors trace their Scottish roots and international vendors.

A full list and schedule of events can be found here

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online here but they are also available at the gate. 

The festival kicks-off with a Pipes, Plaid and Pageantry parade on Thursday evening beginning at Victoria Park at 7:30 p.m., travelling through downtown and ending at the legion. 

More information on the festival can be found here.