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The Community
Press
TEXT ‘ABFIRES’ to 45678 to donate $10 to Red Cross for Jasper wildfire relie Volume 118 Issue 07
www.thecommunitypress.com
Salute to the RCMP INSIDE!
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 s
ALLY ANDERSON PHOTOS The seventh annual Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival was another huge success for the Flagstaff Scottish Club. The day was filled with many fun activities, food, vendors, and events for guests to enjoy. Pictured above, local heavy events participator Jayne Odegard took on the hammer throw. Announcers also let the crowd know she was partcipating on her birthday. Picture right, dressed in his finest highland dress, Brayden Dezall of Stettler County, showed off his family tartan at the event along with many others dressed for the day.
Scottish Festival keeps getting better Ally Anderson Staff Reporter
The seventh annual Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival drew large crowds to Sedgewick on Saturday, Aug. 23. From morning until night, the grounds were buzzing with guests, many dressed in tartan and kilts, alongside vendors, entertainers, and the unmistakable sound of bagpipes and drums. For many across Flagstaff County and beyond, this unique celebration has become the highlight of the late-summer season. Longtime attendees say they mark their calendars each year for the Flagstaff Scottish Club’s events, eager to enjoy a full day of Scottish culture and community. Opening ceremonies began with the massed Pipe and Drum bands, who marched from Prairie Rose Place around the block with an RCMP escort. Dan Fee officially welcomed the crowd and introduced a lineup of speakers. Former Battle River–Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek shared greetings on behalf of newly
elected MP Pierre Poilievre, who was unable to attend. MLA Jackie Lovely visited later in the day after attending another event. Also taking the stage were Flagstaff Scottish Club Chieftain David Samm and Sedgewick Mayor Stephen Levy, officially kicking off the festivities. The kids’ zone featured new attractions this year, including a bale maze with activity stations in each section. Families also enjoyed axe throwing, the ever-popular mini-golf course, inflatable bouncy houses, and a money sand pit. Heavy events ran throughout the day, with both amateur and professional competitors showing off their strength and skill. Meanwhile, the Scottish beasties in the livestock area drew plenty of admirers. Highland cattle were the stars of the pen, joined by red and black Angus, miniature Highland cows, and an assortment of Scottish dog breeds, from towering Irish Wolfhounds to cuddly Dandie Dinmont and Scottish Terriers. The vendor village reached maximum capacity in-
doors and out, offering everything from baked goods to custom knives. Food and beverage vendors kept the crowd well-fed and refreshed throughout the day. One of the main highlights was the auction of a yearling Highland steer named Hobie, donated by Roger and Judy Ferrier, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Flagstaff Scottish Club. Bidding was lively, with Anchor K Highland Coos winning the first round at $2,400. Owners Keegan and Mackenzie Miller then generously donated Hobie back for a second auction. Elias White took the steer home with a $1,750 bid, joking afterward, “My wife gave me permission to bid, but didn’t tell me how much.” As the sun set, the festival wrapped up with an energetic Ceilidh. Bands from earlier in the day returned will reopen 6 at perto theWe stage before Battle Tuesday, River PipesAug. and Drums formed. Cabot’s the evening, get9 a.m.Crossing and ourclosed nextout edition ting the crowd on their feet to dance the night away. will still be published Wedneday. Aug. 7 The Rafflebox 50/50 draw rounded out the night, Ad deadlines will be noon Tuesday, Aug. 6 with the winner walking away with $4,095.
The Community Press office will be CLOSED Monday, August 5 for the Civic Holiday.