AYE, AND WHAT IS TARTAN DAY?
For all Scots and wannabe-Scots the Three Sisters Scottish Festival Society and partners are presenting a special event in honour of Tartan Day on April 9 at Canmore Opera House. Doors open at 5pm.
The community is invited to celebrate and commemorate the day with a social gathering. There will be live Celtic music provided by Cabot’s Crossing, and performances of Highland Dance with hot food, raffles, opportunities to sign up as a Highland Games volunteer, dancing and a cash bar.
Canada’s National Tartan Day originated in October of 2010, when the Minister of Canadian Heritage officially declared April 6 as Tartan Day. The date was chosen because it corresponds with the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in the year 1320 – the Scottish Declaration of Independence. (To allow for a weekend event, it is slated to be held 3 days after the actual date of Canada’s National Tartan Day.)
While encouraged to come out and show your colours (git yer tartan on!), it is also a fundraiser to kick off the planning of the annual signature summer Celtic festival on Labour Day weekend.
The Society has been presenting Celtic culture in Canmore for over 30 years. Their mandate is to foster and encourage Celtic culture and tradition in all its forms – dance, music and sports, and to establish the Canmore Highland Games as an entertainment/cultural destination event.
Attending Tartan Day by coming out for a lively evening of fun also lends support to the cluster of events making up the Canmore Highland Games this summer.
“The Highland Games have become an integral part of our community identity over the years – and a well-loved event at the end of the summer,” says past Mayor John Borrowman, “As well, the Games continue to bring visitors here to enjoy our beautiful mountain town, and add to the sustainability of many small businesses.”
Tickets are $20 at the door.