Dundee will host Scottish festival

DUNDEE--The ninth annual Dundee Scottish Festival will give guests and performers alike the chance to embrace Scottish heritage, Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will again be held at the VFW post in Dundee at the corner of Seneca Street and Jessop Road.
While the opening and closing ceremonies are not to be missed, the whole day features various performances, dances and games with a Scottish theme. There will also be vendors at the festival grounds with commemorative items for sale.
"There is always something new and the committees try hard to add more Celtic details to their areas," said Festival Manager Fran Willis. "The youth Highland Games are new this year. All kids ages eight to 12 may participate. They will love to show their strength tossing a large rock or trying to toss a cardboard caber accurately. They don't need any experience because there will be athletes there to show them how it's done."
There are a few main areas at the festival which will highlight certain acts or groups. These include the Highlander Stage, Highlander and Lady Scot Tent, Piper's Circle, Games Field, Main Tent, Pavilion Stage and the Dance Stage Annex. Each location will have timed events throughout the day.
Two ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. marking the opening and closing of the event. The opening will include the shout of attendance as well as a blessing of the military. The closing has the various pipe bands playing together in the center of the venue.
In addition to the massed bands, there are also individual concerts throughout the day. The American Rogues will play from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Penny Whiskey concert goes from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Also playing are Step In Time, The Harper and The Minstrel, Doolin O'Dey, Mary Lester and Arise & Go. Dance lessons by The Ring of Chiarraighe at 1 and 1:30 p.m.will help the crowd participate in all of the music offerings.
There will also be athletic competitions of Highland Games during the day to test feats of strength by the professionals all the way down to children.
"We expect to have a larger attendance this year due to being able to buy tickets online and the Facebook page that has been increasing member numbers daily," said Willis.
Tickets to the event are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online at www.dundeescottishfestival.com. A full schedule is also at the site www.dundeescottishfestival.com/festival-information/.