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A participant competes in a hammer throw at the heavy events at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
D’ye ken the Scottish Festival is celebrating 80 years? Here are some tips for your trip to Fergus
The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is set for Aug. 8 to 10
The Bay City Rollers will headline the Scottish Saturday Night Concert and Charles Vandervaart, William Ransom from “Outlander,â€Â will be there all weekend.Â
It’s a big year for the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The festival is celebrating its 80th anniversary with special programming and unique traditions.
Elizabeth Bender, executive director, said she has been with the festival for 10 years, but this one will be one for the books.
The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games logo for its 80th anniversary, 2025.
Fergus Scottish Festival
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“There will be elements of our 80th everywhere — tons of souvenirs, a commemorative program and events that are really exciting,†Bender said.
You will even be able to purchase an 80th anniversary tartan designed by Patrick King Woollen Company.
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The event is held at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex at and she said it’s a tent city that takes you away to Scotland without having to pay the airfare.
“I think what brings people back are the wonderful traditions and what brings new people is that we are a completely unique event,†she said.
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The Tattoo’d in Tradition Ceremony takes place on the opening day of the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Fergus Scottish Festival
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One of their long-standing opening rituals is the Tattoo’d in Tradition Ceremony or gathering of clans. The Friday night also has live music and fireworks. Bender said to stay late if you want to catch crowd favourites Albannach and Mudmen on Friday.
She said the four pillars of the festival are the “heavy†events, highland dance, clans and heritage and pipes and drums which are a big part of showcasing the culture.
“Chiefs of Scottish clans are making the trek to Fergus, and from what I understand, it will be one of the biggest gatherings of dignitaries and royalty,†Bender said.
A pipe and drum band performs at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games
A Scottish Saturday Night Concert will feature headliner the Bay City Rollers, the Red Hot Chili Pipers and Albannach on the main stage.
“We’re just so excited for the 80th anniversary,†said Bender. “Our 75th fell during COVID so we weren’t able to do an in-person celebration. This one is extra special for everyone.â€
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The featured guest this year is Charles Vandervaart, the actor who plays William Ransom on the hit television show “Outlander.†There are meet and greet sessions, whisky tastings and more fun events with this star.
Charles Vandervaart plays William Ransom in Outlander.
Fergus Scottish Festival
Bender said there is so much to see and do all weekend long.
“We’ve almost got our own food festival because of all the delicious things to eat, if you’ve never tried haggis or shortbread or a scotch egg, and of course we have a whisky village for those that love Scottish beverages,†Bender said.
But it’s not all for adults, the festival has lots to do for folks of all ages, and even a children’s area called McKiddies Centre.
Highland dancers compete at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Fergus Scottish Festival
“We’ve got something for everyone,†Bender said. “It doesn’t matter your age or gender or nationality, you know everyone is just there to embrace and celebrate so it’s a really amazing experience.â€
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Here are a few tips for folks before they come:
They won’t be accepting debit payments at the gate, so you might have to use credit or go to one of their ATMs if you don’t get your tickets in advance.
If you purchase tickets ahead of time, you will be in a faster line to get them scanned and get your wristband, so you’ll be through the entrance in no time.
The gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, so it’s best to go nice and early if you want a parking space or to find a special seat.
The on-site parking fills quickly, but there is off-site parking available and a free shuttle bus from A.O. Smith, Provost Lane, Centre Wellington District High School and the festival grounds. They also encourage folks to cycle or walk.
Some vendors on the grounds will accept only credit or debit cards, but some will take cash.
You can bring your own food and a reusable water bottle and there will be refilling stations available.
For more information and a detailed schedule of events, or to get your tickets now, visit .
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