The 2023 Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
FERGUS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
Fergus has a population nearing 21,000 people and is famous for its Scottish heritage and annual Scottish festival.
The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is an annual three-day cultural festival that has been held for more than 75 years. It is the oldest festival of its kind in North America.
A Brief History of the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games
The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games has enjoyed tremendous success since its inception by Alex Robertson in 1946.
The games have had two locations over the past 77 years, Victoria Park and more recently, the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex (Fergus). The Games exemplify all things Scottish with a focus on heavy events, dancing, piping, clans and interactive family fun and community involvement.
The Highland Games originated with the Ancient Celts in Ireland, thriving and evolving in the competitive environment of the clan structure of Scotland. It is commonly believed that in the 11th century, the Scottish King Malcome Canmore perpetuated the entire Games event with a race up a mountain.
Like the ancient Greeks and Romans, it is not unreasonable to think that competition for strength, endurance and honour were ongoing adventures in all cultures. The concept of the celebrations of Highland Games evolved into a positive celebration of culture and history focusing on the most accomplished in each of the competitive fields, as well as the onlooker who enjoys the ambiance of cultural heritage.
The Fergus Scottish Festival is pleased to participate in the promotion, presentation, and preservation of Scottish culture through good-natured competition and heritage education
Visit the Official Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games website.