Saint Andrew’s Society to host 98th annual Feast of Saint Andrew
NEW GLASGOW — The Saint Andrew’s Society of Pictou County has announced it will hold its 98th celebration of the Feast of Saint Andrew on Friday, Nov. 29, at Summer Street Industries.
The event will be a celebration of the Scottish roots of Pictou County that Society President Barrie MacMillan says “has helped build our region and enriches our community’s impressive multicultural mosaic.”
The Saint Andrew’s Society is proud to feature entertainment by award-winning Scottish fiddler Amelia Parker, accompanied by Ray Stewart. Parker started playing fiddle at the age of six under the instruction of the late Fleur Mainville, a renowned fiddler, teacher and entertainer. This past June at the age of 13 years, she recorded a CD at the Wee House of Music with Dave Gunning entitled “Entwined.” Parker plays a variety of fiddle styles which include Old Time, Scottish, Quebecois and Classical. This past August she travelled to Abbotsford, B.C., to perform at the Canadian Grand Masters as one of four junior showcase performers from across Canada.
The following month she placed second overall at the US Nationals for Scottish Fiddling in the 18 years and under category in Edinboro, Penn.
The Feast of Saint Andrew evening celebration will feature a full program that includes guest speaker Ross MacIntosh, who will offer some reflections on Scottish history; the piping in of the haggis by Piper Robbie MacInnis, an address to the haggis by the Saint Andrew’s Society’s Chaplain Rev. Charles MacPherson, the Society’s Scot of the Year presentation by Society Marshall Bob Hanes; as well as the presentation of pins to new members by MacMillan. Master of ceremonies will be Jim Mitchell while the chair of the event is Sandy MacGregor, treasurer.
The dinner menu to be provided by Summer Street Industries
will include a roast turkey dinner with all of the trimmings along with carrot cake and tea and coffee. Haggis with “neeps and tatties” will also be served.
In Scotland, and in many countries with Scottish connections, Saint Andrew’s Day is marked with a celebration of Scottish culture with traditional Scottish food and music. In Scotland the day is also seen as the start of a season of Scottish winter festivals.
“Here in Pictou County we have been honouring this tradition for nearly a century,” MacMillan said. “Our event promises to be an entertaining and enjoyable one filled with fine food, uplifting entertainment and the flare of Scottish music and traditions. And we are looking forward to welcome all those interested in sharing this wonderful custom.”
Tickets are $ 40 per person and available until Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the UPS Store, Archimedes Street, New Glasgow, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For tickets, those interested may also contact Barrie MacMillan at barrie.macmillan@ns.sympatico.ca.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.