Chatham pipe band to drum up support with 'Tartan Day' celebration
Chatham’s Branch 642 Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band is hosting the first ever ‘Tartan Day’ in southwestern Ontario, as the 77-year-old band looks to recruit new members.
Organizers say a full Highland fling of celebration is being planned for Thursday, April 6 and suggest Chatham will be the ‘Plaid Capital’ of the region.
“COVID has hit every pipe band around the world and we decided to get things going again,” said pipe major, Walter Tomaszewski. “We figured what's a greater time to celebrate our Scottish heritage? And you don't have to be Scottish!”
National Tartan Day recognizes the contributions of Scottish people in the development of Canada and has been celebrated in Nova Scotia since the 1980s.
Tomaszewski said the band realizes the need to revitalize with younger members to keep Highland traditions alive, hoping this event will attract renewed attention. They currently have nine students of various ages (five youth ranging from age 9 to 16) on the pipes or drums learning about Scottish culture and Highland music.
“There's a big Scottish heritage in Chatham-Kent and we're hoping we can get a few of them out,” Tomaszewski explained.
“Wind instruments were actually prohibited during COVID, so this is a big deal for us getting out here making some noise again and blowing some hot air.”
Tomaszewski said it's estimated about 14 per cent of Canada’s population is of Scottish heritage.
In 2010, Parliament passed a bill to make April 6 a day of observance. April 6 is the date that coincides with the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. Tomaszewski said that declaration was the first statement of independence for a Scottish nation, noting some say it was the model for American independence in the 1770s.
“It is a national holiday,” Tomaszewski exclaimed. “And as far as we know, they're only celebrating it so far in a few bars here and there in Nova Scotia and in Ottawa. So here we are moving the borders a bit more to Chatham.”
Tartan Day festivities kick off at The Sons of Kent Brewery with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Live music, Highland dancing and indoor "Hazy Highland Games" will compliment the Scottish food and drink.
Everyone is encouraged to wear anything tartan, be it a kilt, a glen, shawl or shirt and stage band 'Cellar Door' will play their Celtic tunes from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Officials say suggested admission to the event is a canned good or donation to 'Chatham Outreach for Hunger.’
Chatham's Branch 642 Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band is hosting the first ever ‘Tartan Day’ in southwestern Ontario on April 6, 2023 at the Sons of Kent brewery. Pictured in Chatham, Ont. on Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2023. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.