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
BREAKING Person engulfed in flames outside N.Y. courthouse where Trump trial underway, says CNN
A person was covered in flames outside the New York courthouse where former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial is underway, CNN reported on Friday.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.