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EMC News – This year’s McNab Days is gaining momentum.
The celebration of heritage, culture and the richness of rural life in the former McNab Township (now part of McNab/Braeside) is attracting interest from across the river and up the valley as it prepares to play host to tourists and area residents at the end of June.
The festival is enjoying added support and has expanded some events and venues.
In its third year, organizers have established sub-committees to manage the various themes over the nine-day celebration.
The Scottish Festival event committee is reportedly running ‘full kilt’ as they prepare for two events.
The first, as the festival kicks off June 23 to coincide with the anniversary of the first settlers brought to the area from Scotland by Archibald, Laird of McNab, in 1825.
The evening will begin with an open-air picnic and concert on the grounds of Waba Cottage Museum and Gardens at 7 p.m. A variety of local talent will entertain between 7-9 p.m. A traditional ‘Calling of the Clans’ will follow at 9 p.m. around the bonfire.
“The calling of the clans honours an ancient tradition where clans gather around a bonfire symbolic of unity and commitment to family and community, both core values in McNab/Braeside.
“Each clan representative, ‘chief’ is provided with a torch. When a particular clan is called, its chief affirms in resonate tones that, yes the clan is indeed present. He then provides a brief overview of the clan’s legacy and proceeds to toss the torch in the bonfire to the accompaniment of shouts of acclamation from other members of the clan,” mayor Mary Campbell explained.
“Fortunately, in McNab/Braeside, the definition of clan extends to any family, business, church or community group that wishes to participate, “she added.
Invitations have gone out to neighbouring municipalities and the Pikwakanagan of Golden Lake has affirmed their attendance.
“The second event, the Scottish Festival committee is planning will take place Sunday, June 26 with a community worship service at 11 a.m. in the Waba Museum church.
“Luncheon items will be available from the Lions club and the White Lake Women’s Institute. Heritage displays by local families, the Arnprior McNab/Braeside Archives and Celtic artisans. Musicians and a pipe tattoo, led by the Arnprior McNab Pipe Band will fill the afternoon,” said Campbell.
For information, to register a clan, set up a booth or volunteer you may contact Mackie McLaren at .
The Braeside River Drive event committee is ‘running rapid’ members report.
This event celebrates lumbering on Chats Lake, central to the founding of Braeside and Sand Point.
A flotilla set to leave Norway Bay at 9:30 a.m. will make a crossing to Red Pine Bay by 11 a.m. Bristol mayor Brent Orr and pro-mayor Steve Forbes are involved with the event.
“This year we have the distinct honour of hosting the W.D. Stalker, the world’s last operating Alligator boat. The W.D. Stalker will participate with other heritage and modern day craft in a Bristol to Braeside Flotilla,” Campbell explained. “The publication ‘Alligators of the North’ released in 2010, documented the importance of the Alligator in the economic stability of the Canadian lumber industry, including that of the Ottawa Valley. The Alligator extended the lumbering livelihood of many McNab/Braeside families from the 1880’s through the 1940s.”
Participants will be greeted upon their arrival by local vessels, music, a luncheon and a number of heritage displays including the Ottawa River Keeper and Arnprior McNab/Braeside Archives. The river craft will be on display during the festivities until 4 p.m.
The nine days between June 23 and July 1 are full of community events and mini festivals celebrating heritage and rural themes including the McNab Healthy Living/Sunday Stretch. Members of the community are encouraged to become involved.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available at various funding levels from $100 to $3,300.
Festival passes will be available at a cost of $10 per person or $20 per family.
© 2009 – 2011 Arnprior EMC.
Full article: http://www.emcarnprior.ca/20110324/news/Planning+well+underway+for+McNab+Days+celebration