CARSTAIRS - Residents and visitors of all ages came out to celebrate Carstairs’ Scottish roots during the 4th annual Heritage Festival & Parade of Kits on Sunday.
Held at the Carstairs Memorial Park and the Carstairs Curling Rink, the day-long event featured lots of family-friendly activities.
Eight marching pipe bands took part in the parade, with the Calgary Police Service Pipe Band kicking things off, followed by the Slainte Social Club Band, the Pipes and Drums of Edmonton Transit, the Airdrie Scots Pipes and Drums, the Foothills Caledonia Youth Pipe Band, the Battle River Pipes and Drums, and the Cochrane Pipe Band.
The Highland Dance Competition was held in the curling rink, with dancers participating in five age groups and dances including the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance and the Scottish Lilt. Dancers also took part in the parade.
A pipe band grade finale concert was held in Memorial Park.
There was also the heavy athletics competition and the tug of war competition again this year.
Many vendors and artisans had booths open during the day, and there were many fun and game outdoor activities for youngsters.
Mayor Lance Colby, who took part in the Parade of Kilts, thanked volunteers, service groups, businesses and sponsors for making the community extravaganza a hit again in 2024.
“Thanks to all the pipers, dancers, athletes, artists and vendors who came to help use celebration the great traditions of Scotland,” he said.
As in past years, many volunteers made the day possible, including members of the Heritage Festival Organizing Committee.
Festival partners in 2024 included the Town of Carstairs, Mountain View County, Carstairs Elks, the Carstairs Heritage Festival Foundation, and many community groups, organizations and businesses.
Carstairs is named after the Village of Carstairs, Scotland.
