Bagpipes, drums and marching bands took over the streets of Orillia Saturday, where they were cheered on by hundreds attending the Scottish Festival.
“I love cultures and new things,” said Sergem Makwana, of Barrie, whose friend had told her about the festival. “This was perfect for me. I’m looking forward to all the shows and competitions they have.”
Logan Strong, another first-time attendee, had travelled from Bowmanville to watch his grandfather march in the 41st annual Scottish Festival, which was being dedicated to first responders.
“I just like hearing the bands play and march,” said the 10-year-old, who had come to town with his family. “It’s really fun and it’s really relaxing. I like their uniforms.”
More experienced festival participants were excited not only about watching the parade but also about what the vendors had to offer.
“I really like it because you get to learn about (Scottish) culture,” said Meadow Gagnon, of Orillia, adding she had learned about the different traditional Scottish dances and the meanings behind the tartans from which the kilts are made.
“I really like seeing the vendors that sell old-fashioned things, like the swords,” said the 12-year-old.
Meadow and her sister, Summer Gagnon, have attended the festival since they were infants, said their mother Kiera Gagnon.
“My aunt was born and raised in Scotland, so we came because we thought of her,” she explained. “Then we kept coming because it’s just great fun.”
The festival offers a variety of activities for entertaining the young and old alike. There are vendors, dances, shows, and a beer tent with more entertainment. The festival also holds two Ceilidhs at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34.
“It's Scottish entertainment, with a live band,” said Carrie Dunn, co-chair of the festival. “The Orillia Pipe Band plays and there are highland dancers. Some other entertainment like a comedian or a storyteller will come up and tell jokes or entertain in some ways. It’s a mix of entertainment.”
The weather, once again, was clear and gave everyone a chance to enjoy the parade that went down main street and along Canice Street into Couchiching Beach Park.
“I think out of the 41 years now, I can remember rain maybe two or three times,” said Dunn.
The reason the festival keeps going is partly owing to the passion of the volunteers, she said.
“We have such a great group of volunteers,” said Dunn. “For the most part, everyone’s been on the committee for some years and has a part to play. Between the communication and dedication of the volunteers, it pulls together.”
And it’s great entertainment for $2, she added.
“There are not too many places you can go and walk in paying $2 for a button and have entertainment all day,” said Dunn.
This year, in honouring first responders, she said, the festival has revived an old tradition: a tug of war. The Orillia OPP and Orillia Fire will take part in the friendly competition set to take place at the park at 4 p.m. today.
