The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is a three-day cultural festival that has been held in the town of Fergus, Ontario, for more than 80 years. The festival includes events leading to the World's Scottish Athletic Championship.
History The festival was first held in 1946 as a one day event in Victoria Park in downtown Fergus,"Festival season lasts all year in Elora & Fergus". Toronto Star, July 9, 2018 organized by Alex Robertson. The festival later expanded to two then three days; it outgrew the park and was moved to the grounds of the Centre Wellington Township Sportsplex at the edge of town,"Photos: Fun in the sun at Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games". Aug 11, 2018 Guelph Mercury providing space for overnight camping.
The name was changed to Fergus Scottish Festival in 1992.
By 1997 the festival was attracting 35,000 people on the Saturday of its event.
In 2007 the festival received a government grant to fund a tribute concert to John Allan Cameron.
In 2012 a combination of poor weather and unexpected taxes left the festival in debt. That year the festival's budget was about $500,000."Records broken at Highland Games" . Waterloo Record, Vol 45 Issue 33, August 17, 2012 by Kris Svela The federal government rescinded the festival's amateur sport classification, and required it to remit $78,000 in HST from ticket sales."Fergus Scottish Festival in make or break year". Aug 05, 2013 by Chris Herhalt, Guelph Mercury. A $50,000 loan from Centre Wellington township kept the organization afloat, and was paid back with the profits from later years."Fergus Scottish Festival to further pay down debt". Aug 11, 2014 by Rob O'Flanagan. Guelph Mercury.
In 2015 the festival was in the news when it hosted a mass caber-tossing event; 69 cabers were turned simultaneously, and this overturned the previous Guinness World Record of 66."Fergus Scottish Festival reclaims caber toss Guinness world record". Waterloo Record, August 14, 2015, by Jaime Myslik
In 2018 the festival hosted the Women’s Heavy Events Championship.
In 2025, The Lord Lyon, King of Arms Opened the games.
Attractions The festival opens with a traditional tattoo, including singing, dancing and piping,"Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games". Brampton Guardian, Aug 13, 2014 and a fireworks display."Fergus hosts the Scottish Festival". 570 News Radio, Aug 13, 2010
Pipe bands The festival hosts a series of pipe and drum competitions. Bands from around Ontario, as well as from other provinces and the United States, come to compete. The bands also participate in mass piping events for the entertainment of the festival attendees.
Highland games
In the tradition of the Highland games, the festival hosts a series of Scottish strength competitions, including hammer throwing,"Middleton teen making a name for himself on the national stage in highland games, powerlifting competitions" . Annapolis Valley Spectator, Kathy Johnson Aug 15, 2017 tug-of-war,"Cheering the boys on at the Fergus Scottish Festival". Aug 08, 2015 by Tony Saxon Guelph Mercury and caber tossing. There is also a 10k running event.
Highland dancing Highland dancers participate in various classes of competitions, and provide entertainment throughout the weekend.
Scottish cultural events and displays
Each year members of about 50 Scottish clans set up tents to display the history of their families. Traditional Scottish food and music are also available for the attendees, as well as whisky tasting, quilting, horse shoeing, weaving and genealogical displays. Storytellers and historical re-enactments provide additional entertainment. There are also activities for children, including sword fighting and archery.
Concert An evening concert on Saturday features a variety of musical entertainment.
Marketplace The festival hosts a venue for the sale of food, crafts and souvenirs.
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