The date for the third annual Penticton Scottish Festival is rapidly approaching, and the society is looking for volunteers to help them put on the show.
“This year we are looking for more volunteers,” said spokesman Wayne McDougall. “Last year we had 35 and we need 50 or 60.”
“It will take dozens of eager volunteers to stage our Highland Games this summer,” said Bob McMillan, vice-president and volunteer co-ordinator for the Scottish Festival, which take place on July 2 in King’s Park.
“And you don’t have to be a burly Scotsman to sign up,” he joked. “Lifting the heavy weights and tossing the caber will be left to the attending competitors.”
Volunteers are needed to help out with all sorts of things, said McDougall, from setting up fencing prior to the festival, to taking tickets at the gate, helping getting the competitors sorted out to helping out in the beverage garden, otherwise known as “The Kilted Pig.”
In addition to an event T-shirt, volunteers get free admission to the park for the day to take in the sights and sounds of pipe bands, stock dog competitions, medieval sword battles, British Cars and a day filled with Celtic cultural entertainment.
“We try, where possible, to stay true to the Highland Games tradition,” said McDougall, adding how, when talking to others about the games, people will mention perhaps that their grandfather was Scottish, or perhaps some other connection to the Highlands.
“Everyone can be Scottish for a day,” said McDougall.
Along with the competitive musical events, McDougall said they have invited other pipe bands to come and perform.
“We know the bands are a big crowd pleaser,” he said, adding that they are also trying to work with the other events planned for that first weekend in July, which includes the Rotary Ribfest.
“What we are hoping is we can add to the mix of attractions for people who come to visit,” said McDougall. “Let’s try to partner with the other events going on and cross-promote.”
Volunteers can sign up for shifts of 3-4 hours in a preferred area of interest by emailing pentictonscottishfestival@shaw.ca, or calling McMillan at 250-492-4371.
More information is available online at www.pentictonscottishfestival.ca.