You Don’t Want to Miss This Year’s Events
Clan Avenue
Find out about your own heritage or the history of different clans from near and far on our Clan Avenue!
This year we are sure to hear some great stories from clans like MacDougall, MacPherson, Fergusson Cameron and more, in addition to the Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada. They are sure to share wonderful stories that will take you on fascinating journeys of history and cultural heritage – conversations that help you have a richer, deeper connection to your roots while you enjoy the bustle of the surrounding Festival.
Heavy Athletic Events
Stone Throw
A stone is thrown in a style similar to the modern shot-put for maximum distance. The modern Track and Field shot-put has, in fact, its roots in the Heavy Events.
Weights (For Distance)
These weights are metal with a chain and ring handle. The weights include Light (28lb) and Heavy (56lb) with the overall length of each implement being 18 inches. The athlete has a 9’ run up and must throw the weight with one hand. The object is to throw the weight as far as possible.
Weights (Over the Bar)
The weight is thrown one-handed over a bar set at increasing heights. The weight is attached to a metal ring handle. The thrower has three tries for each height (12-25 lbs).
Hammer Throw
The hammer head is metal, and the shaft is wood (rattan or bamboo),or plastic eg. PVC pipe. The total weight of each hammer is 16 lbs (light) and 22 lbs (heavy). The length of the hammer can be no longer than 50” overall. The hammer must be thrown with the feet in a fixed position, but a competitor may move his feet after the hammer is released.
Sheaf Toss
A pitchfork is used to hurl a burlap bag stuffed with straw (16 lbs) over a horizontal bar. The contestant gets three tries to clear the bar without touching it. The bar is raised higher and higher each time.
Caber Toss
There is no standard size or weight of a caber but the caber is wood and typically of a length and weight so half the competitors can turn it.
The caber is ‘stood-up’ for the athlete, with the heavy end on top. The attempt begins when the caber is lifted from the ground. The thrower may take any length of run they wish and may toss the caber from where they choose, but the caber must pass through the vertical position in order to count as a turned caber. The “clock face” method of judging is used, as opposed to distance, such that a perfect toss will flip over and land with the small end pointing directly at12 o’clock away from the competitor.
Highland Dance
Although typically in a competition format, this year we are graced with a performance of Highland Dance on our main stage.
See if you can spot any of the dances below.
Pas De Bas / Pas De Bas Hi Cuts
Is one of the first dances taught in Highland Dance. This dance is exactly the same as the first step of the Sword Dance, but is danced to the front without the use of swords. It is usually taught to young dancers who are not yet prepared to learn the entire Sword Dance.
Highland Fling
One of the oldest traditional dances. Originally performed by male warriors as a victory dance over a tang (shield).
Special Flings
A unique addition created for our competition, for Premier dancers aged 15 and under. All the dancers dance together and one award is given to the dancer judged with having the best fling.
Sword Dance
Dating back to 11th Century, this is a victory dance where the victorious warrior places his sword over that of the defeated. Touching or kicking the sword results in a deduction or disqualification.
Sean Truibhas
Used to depict the Scottish displeasure at being forced to wear trousers by the English. Dancers’ movements show pleasure at shedding the trousers and donning the kilt.
Barracks
(Wilt thou go to the barracks, Johnny?) Is a national dance in Highland dancing, and was originally a recruitment dance for the Royal Scottish Army. This dance represents the strength, agility, and determination the soldier received while going through training.
Irish Jig
A Scottish take on an Irish jig in which a washerwoman is angry with her erring husband. A heeled shoe is used in this dance. Male dancers play the erring husband and dance with a shillelagh.
Sailor's Hornpipe
Adopted from the English Hornpipe. Dancers wear a sailor’s suit and depict everyday movements in a sailor‘s life.
Bagpipers
The Pipers are Coming!
In the town of Kincardine we are blessed with having our own pipe band, the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, whom have are believed to be the oldest street pipe band with unbroken service in Ontario! We are spoiled with their sounds that can be heard through town all summer long on Saturday nights.
That been said, we as the official Scottish Festival for the town are always delighted to invite other pipe bands to come and take part.
This is a long tradition of the festival and is cherished by all those who attend each year, both locally and from afar.
We're welcoming back the parade this year and the piping competitions will take place in Victoria Park afterwards so be sure to join us in the park while the pipers take us into the evening.
Pipe Band Competition
SOLO PIPING COMPETITIONS
Solo Pipers will be competing at stations set up along the neighbouring streets of Victoria Park. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of our neighbours with their stately Victorian homes and lush gardens which makes this unique to Scottish Festivals. Visitors are encouraged to walk and watch as hundreds of pipers strut their stuff for the judges.
PIOBAIREACHD COMPETITION
The Piobaireachd or Great Music is a music genre associated primarily with the Scottish Highlands that is characterized by extended compositions with a melodic theme and elaborate formal variations. It is currently performed principally on the Great Highland Bagpipe and is also increasingly played on the Scottish fiddle and the wirestrung Gaelic harp or clarsach, among other instruments, as part of a recent revival.
PIPE BAND COMPETITIONS
The Competition is governed and sanctioned by the Pipers and Pipe Bands Association of Ontario. Pipe Bands are graded from Grade 5 up to Grade 1, Grade 1 being the highest.
For the full schedule, visit the PPBSO website.
And of course MUSIC!!
Stay Tuned for news on this year's performers!
The board take special care in selecting musicians both locally and afar that will celebrate our Scottish heritage, bring together our community and most importantly, bring the fun!
The full band schedule will be published once confirmed and can be found here.
