The Scottish Festival is returning to its home in downtown Orillia this weekend.
After taking place in Tudhope Park last summer due to construction on Centennial Drive, the 46th edition of the festival will parade down Mississaga Street before moving into Couchiching Beach Park on Saturday at noon.
"We are grateful that the parade is back on this year," said festival co-chair Carrie Dunn. "A lot of people are looking forward to seeing the parade back and having everything back in Cooch."
The parade launches from Peter Street before heading toward the Terry Fox Circle.
"We have ten bands coming, a military band, the colour parties and dignitaries," Dunn explained. "It's a great musical parade for everybody to watch."
While Dunn was grateful for Tudhope Park in playing host to the event last year, she says Couchiching Beach Park is the perfect venue for the event.
"It's nice and local for everyone to get to," she said. "It's a great central location."
Following the parade, mass bands will play in the main field to officially open the event.
"Pipe bands will be performing throughout the day," Dunn said. "There will be a vendor area throughout the park and a beer tent."
At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, FIDDLESTIX will be headlining the Jim Campbell Entertainment Main Stage.
"They are a great band who has been all over the Highland Games circuit," Dunn explained.
Historically, there has been a large Scottish contingent living in the Orillia area, which is why it’s important to have the festival each year, Dunn says.
"I think for some people, the Scottish Festival is a tradition they have grown up with," she said. "People tend to say that they remember coming with their grandparents growing up and now they are bringing their kids and grandkids."
While the Festival is free to attend, Dunn asks everyone to purchase a festival button for a minimum donation of $3.
"It ensures that we can continue," she said. "This is a great outing for a family to go to and we want to continue it for generations to come."
A special ticketed Ceilidh with special guest Celtic Effect unofficially opens the festival on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Orillia Legion Branch 34.
"The Orillia Pipe Band will be performing and we've got highland dancers," Dunn said. "It's shaping up to be a great night."
There are still a limited number of tickets available for $30. You can get yours here.
Dunn thanks the event's sponsors, The Dunkley Foundation, The City of Orillia, OrilliaMatters, Turf Tech, the McLean and Dickey Jr. C Orillia Terriers, and Dapper Depot.
A full list of Orillia Scottish Festival events and a park map can be found using the Tripvia Tours app. More information about the festival can be found here.
