By Kerry J Newstead
CAYUGA—The grounds of Ruthven Park National Historic Site turned back in time to celebrate Celtic history and culture on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
“It was an incredible day at our third annual Celtic Festival! We were thrilled to welcome back so many of our partners from previous years, while also introducing a variety of new performers and activities,” said Ruthven Site Administrator Brittany Van Dalen. “Attendance soared to over 800 visitors, who enjoyed a vibrant lineup of live music, dancing, guided tours, street curling, cream tea, and delicious local baked goods from Carluke Orchards.”
CAYUGA—Ruthven Park’s annual Celtic Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2025 drew over 800 attendees for live music, tasty treats, and educational demonstrations. Above, Francis Chisholm (left), a 99-year-old WWII veteran, wore the Chisholm family kilt while enoying a wee dram of whiskey with reenactors C. Ferguson and Michael Hicks. 
CAYUGA—Celtic dancers perform at the annual Celtic Festival on the grounds of the Ruthven Park National Historic Site on Saturday, September 6, 2025. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead. 
CAYUGA—From No. 6 Fire Station Canboro, Luca Pereira and Adrian P. cooking up some burgers and hot dogs to feed the masses. 
CAYUGA—Sarah McCarrel of Owen Sound tossing a Welly. 
CAYUGA—Margaret Myers spinning wool with the drop spinning technique. 
CAYUGA—Maggie Lyons, a 22-year spinner, on a more modern spinning wheel. 
CAYUGA—Reenactor Mark Buete with a Brown Bess flintlock gun. 
CAYUGA—Jen Lipski, artist and blacksmith, working on some steel decorations. 
CAYUGA—Andrew Goodwin and his 1-year-old son, Indy, feeding the goats. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.
From captivating bagpipes to whiskey tastings to a variety of vendors, there was a full day of activities that everyone could enjoy. Van Dalen continued, “Highlights included the ever-popular Highland cows from Evergreen Lane Highlands, a captivating Jacobite reenactment, and engaging demonstrations by the Grand Erie Spinners & Weavers Guild, along with blacksmithing by Jen Lipski Fine Art.”
As Jen Lipski worked on site, she said she wasn’t planning to become a blacksmith, but she took a metal shop course while at art school that hooked her on working with fire and metal.
Set up beside her were folks from #6 Canboro Fire Station, who were serving up burgers, hot dogs, and the favoured perch and chips. Van Dalen said this booth was a “crowd favourite”.
The young ones were kept busy in the Wee Bairn’s play area, petting the animals from Little Tracks Petting Zoo, or feeding Highland cows Bianca and Bubbles.
“We are grateful to the Dundas Pipes & Drums band for their participation in this event, Greg Awde as sound operator, and to our other incredible and talented partners and vendors,” concluded Van Dalen. “A heartfelt thank you to our sponsor, FirstOntario Insurance Brokers, for their generous support, and to our dedicated staff and volunteers whose hard work made this event such a success.”
