Everyone is Scottish in Kincardine this weekend.
It’s time for the 10th annual Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Festival Chair Dave McFarlane says the three day event got underway Friday night and will draw visitors and competitors from across the province.
McFarlane says the festival has become known as a friendly one that welcomes everyone to participate without feeling as if they’re in the way.
He says 29-bands have signed up for the competition and three of the bands are the best in the province.
McFarlane says there are only three “Grade one” bands in Ontario, meaning they’re the best and all three are coming to Kincardine.
Two of the bands are from Toronto–the Toronto Police PIpe Band and the 78th Fraser Highlanders.
The third is the Peel Region Police Band is from Mississauga.
In addition, there will be individual competitions and the heavy events competition as well.
McFarlane says they expect thousands of visitors and this year, they’re going to get a handle on the economic benefits to the community of the event.
He says a survey is being taken asking people where they’re from and how much money they are spending while in Kincardine, if they’re from out of town.
McFarlane hopes the survey will give them data they can use to improve the Scottish Festival in the years ahead.
