The Celtic culture is a very visible, living part of the Capital Region’s multicultural world. It is an unbroken tradition that developed over thousands of years and continues to evolve today.
In recognition of its importance to the area’s cultural mosaic, Fort Edmonton Park celebrates 25 years of hosting the Celtic Gathering on July 12 and 13.
The two-day gathering is packed with Irish, Scottish and Highland dances, competitive games, Whisky tastings for connoisseurs, a Celtic merchant market, and Highland dishes to satisfy the hungry and curious.
Perhaps the most spectacular will be the 10 pipe and drumming bands competing for bragging rights. Seven judges will rate the bands’ performances of piobaireachd (pronounced pee-broch), also known as Scottish classical music.
“The massed band is so much fun,” said Sandra Green, managing director of Fort Edmonton Park. Massed bands attract up to 150 musicians.
“There’s such a strong competition that the entire park is filled with pipers and drummers. Twice a day they get together for a massed band and march down 1885 Street. Your hair stands on end, not because of the excitement, but because of the vibrations you can almost feel. It’s kinetic. It’s electric. You almost have to be there to understand.”
While much of the Scottish arm of Celtic culture is focused on competitive dancing, bagpipes and kilts, the heavy athletics also invite a great deal of attention.
Spectators enjoy seven Scottish heritage games including the hammer throw, stone put (similar to a shot put) and the caber toss, where a competitor tosses a long pole or log.
“The whole park is buzzing. And we have lots of food and a beer garden. Last year we had bison shepherd’s pie, Guinness sausages, haggis hot dogs and short bread.”
The park’s costumed interpreters focus on the contributions of the Celtic founding fathers and the contributions they made.
“Some of the more prominent were the McDougall family, Frank Oliver and the Ross Brothers.”
Last year the Celtic Gathering attracted more than 5,000 visitors.
The Edmonton Highland Gathering Association launched the gathering in 1989 as a tribute to Scottish culture and heritage.
But about a dozen years ago, Fort Edmonton requested the inclusion of Irish dancing. Organizers complied and changed the name to Fort Edmonton Celtic Gathering Association said co-producer Geoff Murray.
“I believe this is a snapshot of Scottish culture in one location. You can witness every event from the dancing and heavy events to massed band competitions. There’s everything available. Even the food is slanted to Scottish fare,” Murray said
Every year event organizers choose an honorary chieftain. This is a history-making year. For the first time, a woman will be chieftain.
The 2014 chieftain is Bunny MacLeod, a well-respected member of the piping community who was once part of the top-tier Caledonia Pipe Band.
“Some people deserve to be chieftain and it was time for Bunny,” said Murray, an organizer for 12 years.
Green closed by saying, “It’s unlike anything else in the park. There’s always something going on. You gotta love the bagpipes. They’re everywhere. Call it a gathering, a meeting of the clans. You feel embraced by it – the music, the food, the culture.”
