Perfect weather kicks off the 16th annual Kincardine Scottish Festival

It was perfect weather Friday afternoon, to kick off the 16th annual Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Victoria Park, Kincardine.

The highlight was a performance by the George Watson Pipes and Drums of Edinburgh, Scotland, which drew a great crowd initially to the corner of Queen Street and Durham Market North where the band was warming up, and then into the park.

This world-championship pipe band, which has performed for the Royal Family, enthralled the audience with its top-quality piping and drumming, including an impressive drumming solo.



The George Watson Pipes and Drums of Edinburgh, Scotland, perform at the Kincardine Scottish Festival



An impressive drumming solo by the George Watson Pipes and Drums; video by David Dadson

Joan MacIntosh of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band piped in the haggis, carried by Charlie Boudreau of the Companions of the Quaich. MC Andy McBride gave a powerful Address to the Haggis, and it was then spirited away to become part of the scotch-tasting dinner put on by the Companions of the Quaich.



MC Andy McBride addresses the haggis at the Kincardine Scottish Festival

During the official opening, chairman Tony Doherty welcomed everyone and said he was pleased the weather co-operated for the weekend festival.

Event manager Janice Griffith said the organizers have been working all year to put this festival together, with the assistance of about 200 volunteers.

Katherine Potter, representing Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb's office, said the federal government is proud to support this event. Since 2011, a total of $58,000 has been donated to promote and expand the festival, she said. "Thank you to the festival executive and all the volunteers for putting this event together. It's going to be a great weekend - in Kincardine, where you're a stranger only once!"

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie offered 100,000 Welcomes to everyone.

"As mayor of this beautiful municipality, I bring greetings from our council, staff and residents," she said. "We're proud to have this wonderful festival in Kincardine. Thank you to all the executive and the volunteers who make this possible. It takes so much co-ordination and dedication over the years.

"If you have a Scottish history, be proud. I invite everyone to be Scottish for the weekend! The quality of music and dancing is amazing. Take in all the events. And in your spare time, stroll through downtown Kincardine or take in the spectacular beach front, the lighthouse and the Walker House.

"May the sun shine all weekend over all things Scottish!"

Grand chieftain Jim McArthur then officially opened the festival.

The evening entertainment included the Kincardine Community Singers, The Thogs, Shane Cook with Emily Flack, and The Mudmen.

Saturday features solo piping and drumming competitions, the Highland dancing competition, and pipe band competition, as well as the heavy events in Robinson Park, east of Victoria Park on Russell Street. There are also children's activities, the Parade of the Clans, fiddling and step-dancing workshops at the Bruce Power Training Centre. And the evening ends with the East Coast Celtic Concert, featuring Ashley MacIsaac and the Barra MacNeils.

Sunday is family day, with the Institute of Scottish Culture which includes an "All About Wool" exhibit, Clydesdale horses, Highland cattle, and much more. The Celtic Music in the Park features the George Watson Pipes and Drums, the Kincardine Fiddle Orchestra, the Ballagh Bunch, The Thogs, Shane Cook with Emily Flack, and The Mudmen.

Throughout the weekend, wander through the regalia and clan tents, and enjoy some tasty treats from the food vendors.