From colourful tartans to the lively ceilidh, the Orillia Scottish Festival is where tradition and vibrant culture come alive. From July 19th to 21st the community is a celebration of Scottish pride.
The festivities begin on Friday evening at the Royal Canadian Legion with the Ceilidh, a Scottish party with a pipe band performance, highland dancing, and live entertainment. Festival Co-Chair Carrie Dunn says, “Everyone is welcome to come to the party where you’ll enjoy a lot of dancing, jokes, camaraderie, and good food.”
The event features the Celtic Effect Band and special guest performances by the Orillia Pipes and Drums and Meghan Miller’s Highland Dancers. Tickets are $30. A late-night lunch is included.
Couchiching Beach Park
On Saturday, the celebration continues at Couchiching Beach Park. The parade kicks off at Noon from Peter Street, marching down Mississauga Street, along the waterfront, and into Terry Fox Circle. Dunn says, “The parade includes 9 pipe bands, various colour parties, floats, and local dignitaries. All the bands will then parade onto the main field for the Opening Ceremonies.”
At the park, visitors can enjoy a spirited Scottish Country Dancing demonstration. Dunn says, “It’s easiest to describe as Scottish square dancing. The women wear white dresses adorned with sashes, while the men wear kilts and jackets. Spectators are invited to learn some dance steps, and everyone has a great time.”
Walk through the park and you’ll find vendors serving up delicious food, including some authentic Scottish cuisine. Dunn says, “This year our local pub Hog & Penny has come on board to offer some Scottish fare for people to try. We are very grateful to the Hog & Penny when they offered to help with food because it’s a fantastic pub in Orillia.”
Artisan craft vendors offer unique handmade treasures for those looking for a special memento. There will be a friendly tug-of-war competition at the Emergency Services Challenge. The Children’s Village will be a haven of fun. The band Fiddlesticks will be the on-stage entertainment. Throughout the day there is something for everyone.
The longest continuous community festival
In its 46th year, the Orillia Scottish Festival is the longest continuous festival in Orillia and to ensure that it does continue into years 47 and 48, organizers are asking festival goers for a nominal donation of $3 or more. The only ticketed event is on Friday, but all the festivities offered on Saturday are open to the public.
Dunn says, “We are lucky to have some sponsors for the weekend, including Turf Tech and Orillia Terriers Junior C Hockey Club who sponsor the Ceilidh, and incredibly fortunate to have The Dunkley Charitable Foundation and The City of Orillia continue to support us, but the $3 festival button is our main fundraiser to ensure that the Orillia Scottish Festival continues.”
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan
On Sunday, July 21st the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan will be celebrated at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 10am. The service is festive with bagpipes and traditional Scottish hymns, a wonderful mix of faith and culture, which includes the blessing of the tartan.
Later in the day, there is an afternoon Ceilidh at the Royal Canadian Legion that is open to everyone. Carrie Dunn says, “We do encourage participants to wear their festival button. They can enjoy the afternoon listening to Carl Stedmond’s rendition of Rod Stewart’s many hits.”
There will also be dancing and the Pipes and Drums of Canada, the Massed Band of Canada will be playing and then heading off for a tour of Scotland. Dunn says, “The band kicks off the afternoon Ceilidh. It’s one of my favourite parts of a fantastic weekend.”
Honouring Clan Fleming
The festival was launched in 1978 and a couple of years later organizers began recognizing Scottish families and significant community milestones. They’ve honoured various Scottish clans over the years and have acknowledged the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Orillia and the incredible work of Orillia’s Emergency Services during the pandemic.
This year the Orillia Scottish Festival is recognizing the contributions of its founder, Duncan Fleming. Carrie Dunn says, “When we were going through this year’s selection process, we decided to recognize Clan Fleming. Duncan Fleming is the visionary behind the Orillia Scottish Festival, and the honour is well overdue.”
A family tradition
Over its 46-year history, the Orillia Scottish Festival has become a family tradition. Carrie Dunn says, “I’ve spoken to many people who tell stories of coming to the Orillia Scottish Festival with their parents and grandparents, and now they’re bringing their own children.”
The Orillia Scottish Festival strengthens community bonds, as people come together to celebrate shared traditions, music, and culture.
For more information on the Orillia Scottish Festival visit them online here.