Annual Gathering of the Clans Celebration

Maritimers love to party and Pugwash is no exception. Canada Day, July 1st, kicks off our summer of parties with the Gathering of the Clans. This event is the first Highland celebration of the season. It is a party, Scottish style, with piping, drumming, highland dancing, highland games, artisans, midway, games, concerts, food and a beer tent too.

The Grand Parade winds its way along streets lined with throngs of people. We fill our parade with pipe bands, floats, clowns, horses and surprises. The Queen of the Clans and her court, riding in open-air cars, greet the many visitors.

After the parade, local and international highland dancers take to the Eaton Park stage .  Lovers of Pipes and Drums will enjoy a special performance by two bands in Eaton Park right after lunch on July 1st.  In another area of the village steely muscled men dressed in their kilts, toss the caber and compete in other highland games.



Enjoy a wide range of food and then take in a wonderful afternoon of entertainment in Eaton Park. Wrap up the day by attending the evening's special stage show featuring the best of Maritime musicians and a spectacular fireworks display over the waters of Pugwash Harbour.

2008 will celebrate the 57th Gathering of the Clans. This Scottish festival started in 1951 when four local men, Bill Wilson, Bill Fillmore, Alex Walsh and Herbert Smith wanted a way to mark Dominion Day. The organizers had as their primary objectives, a good time and fundraising for the Red Cross Hospital. The Gathering became renowned for its highland dancing competition. In 1957, an Act of Nova Scotia Legislature incorporated the "Gathering of the Clans and Fisherman's Regatta."



Though Dominion Day is now called Canada Day, the Gathering of the Clans' objective remains the same: fun for the family and fundraising for the community. Monies collected from the small entrance fee helps support our local hospital, library, volunteer fire department and school projects, etc.

This year, the Village Commission has extended the fun with activities planned for Saturday with a giant yard sale and flee market on Water Street, a psychic fair in Eaton Park in the afternoon and the Children's Parade at 11 AM on Water Street.  The official opening is at 2 PM in Eaton Park.  On Sunday Eaton Park will be the site of a gospel concert beginning at 2 PM.