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Bagpipes and kilts: Penticton Scottish Festival brings tradition to King’s Park

The one-day event opens its doors at 8 a.m. on July 2
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(File photo)

There will be no shortage of entertainment on display when the seventh annual Penticton Scottish Festival opens at King’s Park this Saturday.

The festival officially returns to the Peach City on July 2 at 8 a.m., when a full slate of events, activities and performances begin for a one-day celebration of Scottish culture.

Among the featured events is a pipe and drumming band competition, which will see musicians from across Canada perform for a panel of international judges. Solo competitions begin at 8:30 a.m., while larger bands will stand before the critiques at 2:30 p.m.

Aside from the competitive nature of Saturday’s festivities, a trio of whisky school sessions will available for most of the attendees throughout the day. A Victoria-based distillery will present guests with a selection of award-winning whiskies and spirits from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tickets for one of the three sessions can be found here.

The festival will also return with its traditional heavy events, like the stone, caber and sheaf toss, beginning at 9 a.m.

“The Penticton Scottish Festival is a unique one-day event that combines traditional Scottish Highland Games of musical and athletic competition with Celtic cultural expos of entertainment and family fun,” organizers write on their website.

Entertainment, courtesy of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band and Shot of Scotch, will also be featured during the event-filled day.

“The whiskey tasting workshop is back, and speaking of scotch, Shot of Scotch, a professional highland dance troupe will captivate visitors and locals alike,” said Elizabeth Smith, president of the festival.

Tickets can be purchased here.

READ MORE: Expect a busy Canada Day weekend with 3 major events in Penticton


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com