Gathering of the Clans and Fishermen’s Regatta established 1951 “1812 – the fight for Canada” The original function of the Gathering of the Clans was to raise funds for the Red Cross Hospital. Now in 2012 we are looking at a new medical facility. 

There have been some changes that have come and gone in the years since the first Gathering of the Clans and Fishermen’s Regatta was held in 1951. Initially, the Gathering comprised mostly of Highland dancing, bagpipe competitions and fishing boat races. The first street parade was in 1960. Over the years there have been ox pulls, clan tents, bed races, queen’s competitions, “theatre under the stars” and magic shows. The fishing boat races were held until 1968 and through the 1970s and 80s there were sailing regattas. Music entertainment in Eaton Park has included famous singers and bands such as Rawlins Cross, John Allan Cameron, Matt Minglewood, Scott Macmillan and Sons of Maxwell who played until the fireworks were set off at dusk. The Highland Dance competition is sanctioned by ScotDance and the Pugwash competition is an important part of a competing dancer’s year. Their competition runs all morning on the stage in Eaton Park. The Highland pipe and drum competitions for individuals and bands are sanctioned by the Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Association. These start right after the Parade and continue all afternoon on the grounds of Thinkers’ Lodge, a national historic site. Competing bands must also march in the Parade.

The heavyweight Highland exhibition games offer an opportunity to witness the extraordinary skills and strength of these athletes. National and international heavyweight champions are seen exhibiting their prowess in Pugwash through the afternoon of July 2nd at the Cyrus Eaton Elementary School playgrounds.

These events are integral to the festival, but do not directly generate funds. Primarily these come from entrance gate fees, but also from sponsorship, the midway and vendor fees. There is no fee to enter the Parade, but the Parade attracts many hundreds of people who in turn support the Gathering of the Clans.


Projects such as this require 25% of costs to be raised by the community and again the importance of the Gathering of the Clans is clear. Currently, funds go to the hospital auxiliary and a variety of other local non-profit groups such as the Pugwash Volunteer Fire Department and Pugwash Ground Search and Rescue.
We appreciate all support.

Note: Where July 1st falls in a Sunday this year, all events are scheduled for Monday, July 2nd.

Installations et services

• Défense de fumer
• Toilettes publiques
• Tables de pique-nique
• Stands
• Accessible aux fauteuils roulants
• Groupes organisés bienvenus
• À emporter
• On parle français
• Stationnement disponible

Entrée