Residents from across southwestern Ontario gathered in Fergus for the town’s Scottish Festival & Highland Games over the weekend. Starting on Thursday, the four-day event began with a parade in downtown Fergus, followed by a military tattoo on friends, with athletic and musical competition spanning over the weekend. While the festival aims to honour the heritage of the local Scots, Elizabeth Bender, the festival’s executive director, explained how the fun is not limited to those with linage. “You don’t have to be Scottish to have a great time here,” she said. “What I love most about the festival is that it’s the best of all (world) and it’s the Highland games, so you can come to our event, you get the competition and then it’s the festival part (too).” Attendees were subject to an array of other local ties to Scotland, with clans setting up shop at the festival, live music being sang, and a kids area with animals and games. Bender believes the event’s inclusivity to all helps makes the weekend a draw. “I think one of the things with the festival is part of our local community. It’s a bit of a family atmosphere. You feel involved. There’s that sense of belonging that keeps our volunteers here.” The event is made possible by over 350 volunteers, and according to Fergus Scottish Festival President Christine de Nottbeck, the grind never stops for some of those involved. “We work very hard for a year... and as soon as we shut down on Monday, we already start working for the next year,” she explained. “We worked very hard to make this an enjoyable experience for people, where they feel comfortable and safe. There is sights and sounds and food to enjoy. I don’t know how we could express it any differently than we try to make it an enjoyable experience for people.” With the event going for the better part of a century, Bender knows that it’s niche nature keeps people coming back while attractive new attendees. “It’s truly unique... behind me they are throwing stones. Later, they will be literally throwing trees. You can’t see that in many places. So we offer unique experiences that other other events may not,” Bender said. Organizers say they look forward to starting back up again soon in anticipation for the 82nd instalment of the event next summer.
