Local pipe bands observing National Tartan Day on April 12

FERGUS – The Fergus and Grand Celtic pipe bands will be performing in downtown Fergus on April 12 in observance of National Tartan Day.

The groups shifted their performance by a week to avoid conflicting with Easter Monday as the actual Tartan Day falls on April 6.

There will be scattered performances between 1 and 4:30pm on April 12 in Fergus.

The pipe bands will also be playing on the patios of some local bars and restaurants.

The public can catch them at the Fergus Legion at 12:30 and 4pm; the Breadalbane Inn at 1:15 and 4:30pm; the Outpost at 2 and 3:15pm; the Brewhouse at 1:45 and 3:15pm; and the Goofie Newfie at 1 and 4:15pm.

After performing the bands will move to the next location on foot, playing as they go.

The two bands will be playing together at 2:45pm outside the Fergus Grand Theatre.

Tartan Day originated in Canada as a day to celebrate Scottish Heritage.

Nova Scotia was the first province to proclaim April 6 as Tartan Day in 1987.  

Ontario followed suit in 1991 and by 2003, 10 provinces had declared a Tartan Day.

Finally, in 2010 the Canadian Heritage Minister declared April 6 to be the date of national observance.

“In Canada on Tartan Day, we take time to recognize how Canadians with Scottish heritage have contributed to our national story,” officials say.