Scottish Festival debuts at Millard Park

DUNDEE--The sixth annual Dundee Scottish Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 12 for the first time at Millard Park, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizer Fran Willis said since the location was moved from Black Rock Speedway, there is no gate fee for the event. She said the festival will feature Celtic music, games, and animals, along with a variety of food, drink and craft vendors.
"The village park is very beautiful to have the festival," Willis said. "Everything is going to be in one area."
The event will hold its official opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with a massed band performance at the Piper's Field. Several bands such as the Finger Lakes Pipes and Drums, Caledonia Highlanders and Buffalo's Caledonian Pipes and Drums will be performing throughout the day, along with several Irish dance performances. Willis said a variety of inflatable amusements and magic shows will provide children's entertainment, while features like the Highland Cattle and shepherding will also take place at the park. One of the highlights will again be the Highland Games Competition, which also begins at 10 a.m.
Willis noted while there will be no parade this year, there will be a massed band performance at 4 p.m. Saturday. The festival was supposed to be held along the streets in the village this year, but Willis said the entire event was moved to Millard Park due to high insurance costs. She mentioned the Scottish Festival offers many events that visitors would not find at an average fair or festival, which includes the annual Highland Games and Highland Dance. She noted things like sheep herding also help to make it a unique experience.
The newly crowned Highlander and Lady Scot Ryan Goodman and Calley Knapp will also be featured at the festival presiding over its events. Their coronation ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m.
For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.dundeescottishfestival.com/Schedule_of_events_2_2.html.