Be part of the excitement by participating in the Miramichi Scottish Festival. The Scots on the beautiful Miramichi River invite everyone to come and celebrate the Scottish culture and honor our ancestors. Enjoy the sound of the pipes and drums, watch the dancers and athletes compete, enjoy the colorful display of the tartans and parade of Clans. and enjoying the many cultural events that will be part of the Festival.  See you there!

                                                               Mrs. Shirley MacDonald

Friday, August 17^th

Candlelight Tartan Ball

(Rodd Miramichi River Hotel)

The Candlelight Tartan Ball is a formal event where formal Highland Dress is often required. Scottish Country Dancing is featured to the accompaniment of live Scottish music.

6p.m. to 7p.m. 

Meet and Greet

Student’s Chieftain Presentation

Celtic Harp (Clarsach)  In the Highlands, the harp, or clarsach, accompanied the clan chiefs into battle until the bagpipes took over this roll in the 16th century. The clan harper would perform for both happy and sad occasions.

7p.m. to 9p.m.

Candlelight Tartan Dinner

Piping in the Haggis

Serving The Mull

9p.m. to 12 Midnight

Entertainment & Dance

“Brollochan”

Bringing a bold, new beat to an Old World sound.  Brollachan is made up of three members who are all very well versed in the Scottish and Irish traditions but who are able to blend influences from Latin, French-Canadian and world genres into the mix.  You’ve got to hear their unique take on traditional tunes and rockin’ reels and jigs.  But this trio offers a whole lot more.

Saturday, August 18^th

8:00a.m.

Gates Open

(77 John Street, across from the Ironman Ball Park)

8:00a.m to 5p.m.

Special Event

Miramichi River Valley, Grade 10 and 11, High School Students will attend the festival with Clans of 5 Lassies, or Laddies to compete for the “Highland Games Silver Plate” and award for their 2008 class graduation. 

8:00a.m to 5p.m.         

Highland Dance Competitions

The Miramichi Highland Dance Association will hold their Highland dance competition with dancers attending from across Canada.  The sounds of the pipes, the dancers quick steps, the colors of the kilt makes this pleasing to the eye. Dancing Competition continues throughout the day.

11a.m. to 12 Noon

Parade of Clans

The Parade of Clans will begin at 77 John Street, across from the Ironmen Ball Field.  The parade will march to the downtown core of Miramichi East and back to 77 John Street.

12:30 p.m. to 5p.m.

Highland Heavyweight Challenge 

1p.m. to 3p.m.

Solo Pipes & Drum Band Performances

1p.m. to 4p.m.

Scottish Music

Live performances on stage.  “Bring your lawn chairs.”

3p.m.

Massed Pipes & Drums Performance

New Brunswick Genealogical Society - Miramichi Branch Tent

Clan Exhibits

Kilted Golfing & Information Booth

The Kilted Golfing Information Booth gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the game of golf.

Kilted Curling & Information Booth

The Kilted Curling Information Booth gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the game of curling.

Outdoor Ceilidh

The Ceilidh is a variety show that features examples of traditional music and dance.  Typically, it features folk music, pipe music, fiddling, country dancing and highland dancing.  Some are structured and feature professional entertainers. Usually a charge for admission to this event.

Tossing The “Wellie” Contest

According to non-verifiable tradition, this competition arose as the result of men coming home tracking mud into the house.  In retaliation, women threw boots at the men.  The modern competition is one for distance where a "Wellington" (boot) is thrown.

Bonnie Knees Contest

Judges, typically female and blindfolded at some events, are asked to rate the portion of the male leg that is exposed between the hose and the bottom edge of the kilt.  Some functions have specialized awards for "Bonniest" and "Most Dimpled" knees.

Fly Castling Demonstration & Contest

Since fly fishing is traditionally considered to have originated in Scotland, the Miramichi Salmon Association will sponsor a Fly Casting and Spin Castling competitions for the younger visitors to the festival.  The contestant casts towards a target with the winner being the individual who can cast into the target area from the greatest distance. 

Scottish Tea Tent

Haggis, oatcakes and scotch cookies, sandwiches, soup & chili with biscuits and veggies and dip.

Cast Iron Kettle Cooking Demonstration

Vendors

Scottish/Celtic Canine Booth

Scottish Animals & Petting Zoo

Some functions make arrangements with nearby farmers to bring Scottish breed livestock for exhibition.  This includes cattle (the Scottish Highland Steer or Red Angus, the Belted Galloway), horses (the Clydesdales) and sheep (Jacobs Sheep).  Often, these animals are part of a petting zoo for children. 

Photo Booth

Get dressed in authentic Scottish clothing and have your photograph taken.  Memories to last a lifetime.

Children’s Creativity Centre

Children's Games  Some events have competitions that mock Scottish athletic events.  Others include special events like sack races, egg-and-spoon races, pillow fights and lawn bowling.

Clan Tents

Highland Society of N.B. at Miramichi Genealogy Tent

Much, Much, More….

Sunday, August 19^th

11a.m. to 12 Noon

Church Service & Kirkin O’ The Tartans

The church service will be held at the St. Andrew’s United Church, 188 Wellington Street, Miramichi East, N.B. There will be a “Kirkin ‘O’ The Tartan”, or “Blessing of the Tartans”.

12 Noon to 12:30p.m.

Highland Memorial Fountain Service

Gather at the Highland Memorial Fountain at Elm Park, 170 Duke Street, across from the St. Andrew’s United Church to honor those hardy Scottish Pioneers who settled in the Miramichi area.  A reception and lunch will follow at the church.