This Scottish festival started in 1951 when four local men, Bill Wilson, Bill Fillmore, Alex Walsh and Herbert Smith, wanted to fundraise for the new local Red Cross Hospital. The Gathering became renowned for its highland dancing competition.
In 1957, an Act of the Nova Scotia Legislature incorporated the "Gathering of the Clans and Fisherman's Regatta."
Early morning, local and international highland dancers take to the Eaton Park stage for ScotDance-sanctioned competitions. Lovers of Pipes and Drums will enjoy the ACPBA-sanctioned competitions on the grounds of the national historic site, Thinkers Lodge. At the Cyrus Eaton Elementary School, steely muscled athletes, dressed in kilts, toss the caber and compete in other heavyweight highland games. Many of these competitors are Canadian and international champions in their sport.
They chose to hold the events on Dominion Day (now Canada Day) as there were already holiday events being held that day.
The Gathering of the Clans is held every July 1st.
The Gathering of the Clans has become the traditional way to spend Canada Day in Cumberland County. It is a Scottish party, with piping, drumming, highland dancing, highland games, artisans, midway, concerts, food and artisan vendors.
When the pipe and drum band competitions are over, all musicians form a massed band which will march up Water Street as far as the Village Hall. Band prizes are then awarded. This will be at about 3 pm.
The official opening is at 2 pm in Eaton Park, when local, Provincial and Federal representatives are led to the stage by a bagpiper to declare the Gathering of the Clans open officially!
Enjoy a wide range of food and a wonderful afternoon of entertainment in Eaton Park. Wrap up the day by attending the evening's special stage show featuring the best of Maritime musicians and a spectacular Canada Day fireworks display over the waters of Pugwash Harbour.
Entertainers from the area entertain through the afternoon and evening, with internationally known entertainers headlining for the evening on the Eaton Stage in Eaton Park.
Everyone is welcome - come out and help us in 2025 celebrate the Gathering of the Clans in beautiful Pugwash by the sea!
Parade Marshall 2025
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