A moment 16 months in the making.
The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 edition of ScotFestBC: The British Columbia Highland Games in Coquitlam, but now it's back as one of the city's first ticketed events of the year and is hoping to bring excitement and joy to those in attendance.
B.C. remains in Step 3 of its COVID-19 restart plan, which allows organized outdoor gatherings to host 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.
“These Games are an opportunity to motivate so many groups in the Scottish community,” Mike Chisholm said in an earlier interview with the Tri-City News. The Coquitlam resident serves as the executive director of the event by the United Scottish Cultural Society (USCS).
“It gives them a chance to pick up their instrument or dancing slippers and get out again.”
Chisholm began lining up vendors, suppliers and performers earlier this summer in anticipation of the event's long-awaited return, and safety measures are set to include wide-spacing between tents, more hand-sanitizing stations and more hand-washing facilities.
ScotFestBC is set to take place in Lafarge Lake Park tomorrow (Sept. 3) and Saturday (Sept. 4).
For a full schedule and more information, you're encouraged to visit the ScotFestBC website.
The Highland Games are sponsored in part by the Tri-City News.
TOURISM BOON
Chisholm said he’s grateful to the city for its $85,000 grant to ensure the event happened; in past years, ScotFestBC has drawn more than 10,000 to the park, and generated economic spin-offs for the hospitality industry with competitors travelling in from around B.C. and Washington State.
“That [city] funding crucial for us,” Chisholm said. “The USCS is a non-profit and, after last year, we’re not in a good financial position.”
“This event is our lifeline,” Chisholm said, “and everyone is happy to get back at it.”
The city’s tourism manager couldn’t agree more, saying he’s also pleased to ramp up local attractions after nearly a year-and-a-half hiatus.
“ScotFestBC is summer tradition in Coquitlam for local residents and visitors, and has been deeply missed,” Eric Kalnins told the Tri-City News.
“In-person events such as ScotFest BC are an important part of a community’s mix of things to see and do, and help to define what a community is all about.”
Kalnins added, “As events were cancelled, people realized how much a part of the community live events really are. They provide the platform to meet new people, to spend time with family and friends and to learn about different cultures.”
“Live events are also a much-needed economic driver for local businesses and help to increase awareness of Coquitlam as a great place to live and visit,” he said.
“There is definitely pent-up demand to experience live events, and it is great to see ScotFestBC return to Coquitlam in 2021.”
SPECIAL EVENT CLINIC
If you plan on visiting the games on Saturday (Sept. 4), and are still in need of a COVID-19 vaccine, you'll be in luck.
Fraser Health is setting up a six-hour vaccination station in Lafarge Lake Park for anyone that's eligible to get immunized — no appointment necessary.
It's part of the authority's ongoing efforts to provide convenient locations for those aged 12 and older who need a first or second dose.
No personal health number is required. If you're planning to be inoculated a second time, you're strongly encouraged to bring your vaccination card.
Jabs will be administered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as capacity and supplies allow.
You can visit Fraser Health's website for more information.
- with files from Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News
