Penticton Scottish Festival draws thousands

PENTICTON — With highland dancers, kilts, bagpipes and pipe bands, Kings Park in Penticton transformed into a mini Scotland on Saturday.

The third annual Scottish Festival has drawn in about two thousand people, according to organizers.

From those who are still learning what it means to be a true Scot to those whose family heritage is Scottish, organizers say there’s something for everyone at the festival.

“We have whiskey tasting class where people learn about different areas of Scotland where whiskey is brewed… there’s heavy events such as the caber toss,” said Wayne McDougall, president of the Penticton Scottish Festival Society.

The one day event also features highland dancing, solo piping, solo drumming, a pipe band competition, and a stock dog competition. Vendors throughout the park are also selling food and Scottish souvenirs.

Organizers say there are 100 dancers from throughout the province competing in various categories. They say the main hope is that for those who are Scottish, the cultural traditions are celebrated and preserved.

For those who aren’t Scottish, organizers hope they walk away learning something new.

“You can’t help but hear the bagpipes, maybe a little drumming and see the mass bands and it’s something you feel as well. You can feel the culture, the Scottish, the colours, the plaids and just be part of the experience,” McDougall said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You can't help but hear the bagpipes, maybe a little drumming and see the mass bands and it's something you feel as well. You can feel the culture, the Scottish, the colours, the plaids and just be part of the experience," McDougall said.

The Scottish Festival runs until 8 p.m.