SCUGOG: Tartan Day was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2009. The Declaration of Arbroath, which gave Scotland its independence from England, was signed on April 6th, 1320.
Tartan Day was started by a lady in Nova Scotia (New Scotland) and is celebrated more in North America than it is in Scotland. A parade is held in New York City every year, so we at The Wee Tartan Shop decided we should do a parade in Port Perry, and so it started in 2009. We have done a parade on the actual day for the last six years. This year, however, we have decided to do the parade on Sunday, April 3rd, so more people are able to attend this great event.
At 2 p.m., the parade, led by the Uxbridge Legion Pipe Band, will step off from Palmer Park and march up Queen Street to the Port Perry United Church. There, Minister Don Willmer and the officers of the 78th Fraser Highlanders will hold a “Kirkin of the Tartan” service. Then, they will head to the Port Perry Legion for official speeches, supper and, of course, music and dancing, sponsored by The Highlands of Durham Scottish Country Dancers. Festivities include a Famous Scot look-a-like contest.
Tickets for the Legion are $20, available at The Wee Tartan Shop, Queen Street, Port Perry. Call 905-985-6573 for more information. Join us and be part of the celebration.