Celtic Christmas concert set for Sunday in Arisaig

St. Margaret of Scotland parish in Arisaig, Antigonish County is building on what is becoming an annual tradition – a Celtic Christmas concert in the church.

The concert, which will include a variety of music from local artists, along with homemade sweets from community volunteers, is set for Sunday, Dec. 16.

Sweets, tea and coffee will be served, from 1 to 1:50 p.m., with show time at 2 p.m.

Parish council chair Mary

Smith is excited about this year’s concert, while looking forward to filling the church with music.

“Last year was our first concert and we were anxious about how it would turn out,” she said in an event press release.

“In the end, it was a great success and we learned a few lessons for this year.

“This is very much a community event that wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who have helped pull this together,” Smith added.

The talented line-up for this year’s concert includes the Pictou County Brass and Reed Band, Antigonish Choral Ensemble, fiddler Dwayne Cote, with guitarist Jason Macdonald; vocalist Nadine Macinnis and flutist Emery van de Wiel, along with a special appearance by parish priest Father Colin Mackinnon and his sister, Eileen.

Parish council member Neil Macdougall, who has been working closely with Smith in organizing the concert, said the show will be different this year, but as lively as ever.

“There are so many individuals around this part of Nova Scotia,” Macdougall said.

“We are so honoured they want to come to Arisaig and entertain us during this busy season.”

Proceeds from the Celtic Christmas concerts go to the operation of St. Margaret of Scotland.

“This church is the center of the community,” Smith said.

“It hosts weddings, funerals and many community events, like this concert, but it’s also a place people want to stop to visit.

“The church attracts many visitors and tourists. There are signatures in our guest book from visitors who have come from all over Canada, the United States, Scotland and European countries,” she added.

St. Margaret of Scotland is the oldest parish of Catholic Highland settlers in Nova Scotia.

The first church for the parish was built at Arisaig Point in 1792.

The current church, built in 1878, was the third for the parish, and it is the pillar of the community.

Tickets for the Celtic Christmas concert, which are $20, are available at Hawthorne Convenience and Antigonish 5¢ to $1.