If you are looking for the Perth Town Crier this upcoming weekend (August 27 & 28) well, you are going to have to point your car towards Middleville because Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier will be attending Fiddling at the Fairgrounds on the Friday evening and the 100 Mile Buffet on the Saturday. We’ll be ringing the bell several times during the Fresh Air Festival festivities and especially at 7:30 PM on the Friday evening when there will be an official ceremony.

The past few years the Art of Being Green Festival has been one of the most interesting places to visit during our summer festival tours. This year (only), as they have restructured, the larger three-day festival has been replaced by a smaller, two-day event that features fiddlers on the first day and good food, music and friends on the second. As a young boy I remember travelling to Middleville for the annual Steam Show. It is wonderful to see their fair grounds returning to full use as the home of this annual gathering. The creative team behind this festival is simply one of the best and the support from the community is outstanding … there is even inexpensive Shuttle Bus transportation from Ottawa!

You can find out all about it by checking out The Ribbet Review or by visiting their website at http://artofbeinggreen.ca.

Look for us … we’ll be looking for you! Just 20 minutes north of Perth … trust us, it is well worth the drive – or take the bus!

For the first time in a few weeks the morning had a cool, crisp feeling to it. The humidity of the past few weeks was clearly broken, but also gone was the sunshine. Today looked like it would be a battle between the sun and the rain … exactly what it turned out to be.

The morning started early. Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier again greeted the regional athletes who came to Perth to take part in the Summer Special Olympic Games held at Conlon Farm. This is the sixth year that the local Knights of Columbus have sponsored this sports day, and once again eager teams, fans and parents came off the many vehicles that pulled into the recreational area. Soccer would be first on the agenda but not without greetings from the Town Crier, a welcome by Councillor Judy Brown, a prayer led by Fr. Brian McNally and a parade of the athletes who followed the piper Perth Police Constable Chris Gilbertson and the Knights around the main field.

The day continued at the North Lanark Highland Games held in Almonte. This is known as the “Friendly Games” and 2010 was the 27th anniversary of the games. It will take a seasoned attender to tell you exactly how the word “Friendly” came to proceed the word “Games” but even a first time visitor will agree with sentiment. The North Lanark Games are a wonderful combination of enjoyable competition, closeness and a welcoming banter with the audience whether it be from the heavy weights and amateur athletes, the bands, the dancers or the commentators on the PA system. The simplicity and relaxed atmosphere make this Games one of our favorites. This year celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy and the Pipe Band from the Ceremonial Guard added to the distinct presence of many of Canada’s finest military units. The replica ships, paintings and displays in the Agricultural Hall attracted the eyes of many, many visitors.

Just after the Opening Ceremonies year the rain came: several times in torrents. Fortunately for Shelley and I they moved the dancing into the Agricultural Hall and we were able to stay off the wet grounds for most of the day. As always, it is such a privilege to present the awards, trophies and ribbons to the dancers. Because of the rain and the schedule shifts we had to miss handing out the prizes to the Children’s Games but we could not be in two places at once: we will be there next year … promise!  Over 90 different dancers took part in the competitions and a “Tip of the Tricorn” has to go to the duty pipers who played so well for the competitions. Again we must thank Brian Tackaberry for coordinating our visit to this highlight event and to the local sponsors who keep this event returning each year.

Back out on the grounds to catch some of the heavyweights, listen to some more the pipe bands, a few more pictures and then point the car home … there to sleep the night away … too much fresh air … too much good food … too many wonderful memories.

If this is the middle of August then it is time to point the car in the direction of the Perth Fair Grounds and join the literally thousands of visitors who flock to the Perth Garlic Festival. Celebrating its thirteenth year, it has become a familiar format: workshops, vendors, clowns, music … all the trappings of a small country fair but completely engulfed in the smell and taste of garlic. You can’t escape it! It only takes a few moments after you enter the gates before you are starting to get hungry. Then what do you try? The sausages, fudge, ice cream … garlic … garlic … garlic …. mmmmm!

For this Crier and his wife there are so many reasons to return each year, but two deserve special mention. The first is Perth Pepper and Pestle. This local company quietly sets up under a cream-colored canopy every year and allows you to sample some of the complete line of their products. We always stop by to see what is new and usually walk away with several bottles of it. Last year it was the Australian Curry Mustard and this year it was the Raspberry Chipolte Red Pepper Jelly.  The jelly has a slight sweet flavor initially and then this beautiful long warm finish. (Here is an inside tip … try it on a little bit of chocolate or as a dip over base of a chocolate sauce … wow! … flavor explosion!) Needless to say it was time to add several bottles to our shopping bag. This year my all time favourite, “Towne Crier Hot Red Pepper Jelly” was completely sold out! That jelly is the reason cream cheese was invented. They promised that on Monday it would become a priority on the production line — yes, I do like your “Hot! Hot! Hot!” but this Crier will accept no substitutes — there is only one hot Town Crier – well, at least according to Mrs. Crier!

There is one other product that has become a perennial purchase – several bottles of “You Lucky Dog Gourmet Marinated Garlic.” This product is simply insanely good. We have added it to just about everything … chopped, slivered, large pieces, small pieces … and my personal favourite, whole, on a toothpick. There is an incredible crunch, a full warm garlic explosion and a cleansing of the sinuses that just has to be tasted to be fully appreciated. This is the closest thing I have ever found to the pickled wild garlic my father used to make and the Garlic Festival is time to stock up for a winter-long supply.

Well, Saturday was so much fun it is just about time to make a Sunday appearance … with a little more coin in the purse … maybe just one more bottle of …

Cheers!

Sunday Postscript: Travelling around the Garlic Festival Grounds this morning I ran into Rideau Lakes Town Crier David Boyd. It was a perfect opportunity to ring the bell and publically present to him his Ontario Guild of Town Crier 25th Anniversary Medallion.  David is an exceptional representative for his communities. To catch him not in uniform and “unawares” was a wonderful chance to have some fun with this honorable gentleman – which he took with his usual grace and elegance. Thank you David for putting up with this little send-up.

To Sarah and Nathan

Well, it is 7:10 AM on Saturday August 14th … the wait is over … and the pipe band didn’t make it through to the Final round … still … there are a pair of very proud parents and a huge extended family (and one dog) looking forward to having you back in Canada tomorrow.

A year ago you were spectators and coming home you told us that your goal was simply “one day” to march on to the Glasgow Green. This morning you did exactly that. It is something you can take with you into your tomorrows. It makes a statement about goals, determination, hard work, effort, sacrifice, team work and family. To share it with Adam as well as Lauren, Bill and Arlene just makes it so much more special. To know that we could watch you live with every step in your performance was exceptional.

What you may not be aware of is that 100 years ago your grandfather, Robert McLaren, came to Canada from Galashields, landing in Montreal on a ship called the Ionian.  It is quite the fitting irony that a century later two of his great-grandchildren would return to Glasgow from Canada to walk on the famous Green and compete as members of the North American Champion Peel Regional Police Pipe Band. Of the hundreds of thousands of pipers and drummers who have ever dreamt of having that moment in the circle, you can now say you have been there – and we know you plan to work just as hard to return next year.

May the future be filled with dreams fulfilled. May your hand always be extended in friendship and never in want.

We again proclaim that we are so proud of everything you have accomplished and will accomplish!

Hug each other for us.

Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier
Mom & Dad

Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier are going to brag just a bit you see, our children are now members of the North American Pipe Band Champion Peel Regional Police. They will be competing in the World Pipe Band Championships on Saturday, August 14th. The top 14 bands will make it through the qualifier to play in the finals – here’s hoping Peel will be one of them.

If your family or friends would like to watch the live streaming of the World Pipe Band Championships – they can do so by going to the following link:

Here are some key BST (with EST translations) times on Saturday, August 14th:

• The qualifier and BBC coverage starts at 9:00 AM (4 AM EST)
• Peel plays at 10:35 AM (5:35 AM EST)
• The results of the qualifier will be announced at 11:40 AM (6:40 AM EST)
• The MSR finals start at 12:45 PM (7:45 AM )
• The Medley finals start at 15:00 PM (10:00 AM)

Here is the overall order of play. They will announce the qualifiers based on this order. If they then cross off those that did not qualify, they will have the order for the bands in the finals.

1. Cullybackey



2. The Pipeband Club – Australia
3. Alberta Caledonia – Canada
4. Inveraray and District
5. Simon Fraser University – Canada
6. Field Marshal Montgomery
7. Canterbury Caledonian Society – New Zealand
8. Tayside Police
9. Torphichen and Bathgate
10. Lothian and Borders Police



11. Oran Mor – USA
12. Fife Constabulary
13. Scottish Power
14. Strathclyde Police
15. Dowco Triumph Street – Canada
16. St Laurence O’Toole – Eire
17. Bagad Cap Caval – France
18. Peel Regional Police – Canada
19. Ballycoan
20. The House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead
21. Robert Wiseman Dairies Vale of Atholl
22. City of Washington – USA
23. Auckland and District – New Zealand
24. Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia
25. The 78th Fraser Highlanders – Canada
26. Los Angeles Scots – USA

So here is a “Tip of the Tricorn” to Sarah, Nathan, Adam, Lauren, Bill, John and the entire Peel Regional Police Pipe Band. We wish we could be there with you, but will have to rely on Arlene to give you the hugs you deserve.

PS – Congratulations Nathan on taking second place in Innovation’s “Drumming For Drinks” held at Glasgow’s Todd Bar on Wednesday. Word is there were only a few votes between you and the winner. Well done … watching for the videos to come on line.

PPS – Yes, we were up early to see the qualifier performance of Peel on the Glasgow Green. What a unique experience. Two computers running: one to watch and one to blog. Really neat to have the whole extended family on-line at this crazy hour in the morning.

Sometimes you simply have to say, “You should have been there!” That was the case last night as the Ecotay Education Centre presented a special song workshop weekend led by Margaret Bennett – renowned Scottish writer, folklorist, storyteller, ethnologist, broadcaster and singer. Travelling here from Perthshire Scotland where her song weekends are a legendary part of the cultural landscape, Margaret led singers of all ages and levels through a variety of Scots, Gaelic and Irish choral pieces. The Saturday evening ceilidh, which Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier attended, showcased all the participants as well as other guests (harpist Joanne Griffin from Navan is pictured) in what can best be described as a relaxed kitchen party.

Ecotay was a wonderful venue for the workshop and the evening. Its rustic wood barns brought a welcoming warmth and flooded this Town Crier with memories from his youth. Growing up with a father who was an amateur Scottish entertainer it was normal to attend many events held in rural church parishes and in many large barns each year, singing, performing, accompaning the fiddlers, whatever was needed to make the evening come together. This ceilidh was just that and in a venue that added so much ambience to the event … you felt like you were at home … all that was missing was the faint smell of coffee brewing on a wood stove … ah the warm memories and the stories and songs that go with them.

Margaret Bennett is the recipient of many prestigious awards including Master Music Maker Award (1998); Exceptional Celtic Woman Award (2003) and Honorary Life Member of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (2007). Just two weeks ago, Margaret was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. In the words of the late Hamish Henderson, internationally distinguished poet and folklorist, “Margaret embodies all that is best of the spirit of Scotland.”

Few will know that Ecotay is situated on the Upper Scotch Line, the area where the first settlers came in late 1815 a year before the Military Settlement was officially created. It was a special priviledge for this Crier to formally welcome Margaret to the true heart of our heritage community on behalf of his Worship and Council … and yes, Mr. & Mrs. Crier even contributed a few songs to the programme. All who attended were sorry to see the evening come to an end and to those who didn’t come … well, you missed something truly special. The display of stars was exceptional as we left and they seemed to be twinkling a little brighter, such was the magic.

A Tip of the Tricorn has to go to Annie Dalton and Michael Glover of Ecotay for coordinating this event, and to Margaret Bennett for bringing it together with such simple charms and stories.

If it is the long weekend in August then it is time to point the car towards the Glengarry Highland Games. Our family has attended each year since the earliest years of the games, sitting in the same seats in the grand stands, walking around the familiar grounds, greeting friends who we look forward to meeting each year. Each year something makes “the Games” a special memory, a reason to return, something to look forward to till next August when we will do it all over again … this year was no different.

First, one has to note that Maxville does it up right. Every aspect of the North American Pipe Band Championship is handled with a precision that only decades of experience can bring: parking, washrooms, cleanliness, even security is all top-notch. There is a predictability about this event and it is clear that many who attend appreciate it. For most of my childhood I remember the tree out in the parking lot (now long gone) that we always parked under: way off in the field, you wondered why my father would arrive so early to park way out there. Well, as a long time attender, who knew that when the mid-afternoon sun had shifted his car would now be under cool shade … you could catch a quick nap between the opening ceremonies and the Grade 1 competition and at the end of the day a right turn put you on the direct path to the exit. That long-term knowledge, coupled with once-each-year tomato sandwiches, are things that are at the heart of the hardened “gamer” and traditions that are passed down the family.

For the past five years Shelley and I have attended in our Town Crier uniforms. We arrive early, just after 9:00 AM, claiming our parking spot near the entrance gates and make our first circle around the grounds posing for hundreds of photos during the day. We get to greet many of the vendors who we see not only here, but at other major events on the circuit. Robert Pel of RKilts is one of the faces we always look for. Robert hand makes a top-quality casual kilt. Unlike the mass produced versions, RKilts (http://rkilts.com) are personally crafted from either high-end hemp or leather. Hanging at the front of his display was a beautiful taupe hemp kilt that looked and felt more like a fine suede then the hemp material the label said it was made from. The color and design was truly appealing and one of those things that no picture or web posting could ever do justice to. If you cannot drop in to talk to Robert on the games and festivals circuit you should plan to take a swing into his Stratford store if you are in that community.

So, what made these games special? Simple! What if your two children were now members of the North American Pipe Band Champions! That’s simple! The Peel Regional Police Pipe Band walked away with the title and trophy at this year’s games, and Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier were sitting in the stands on the Grade 1 circle to hear them play every note, and in the grandstands to hear the winning announcement. Of course, that was followed by watching the riotous celebration that took place in the beer tent afterwards as the band and literally hundreds of supporters played, yelled, danced and let loose. Congratulations to Sarah and Nathan, to Adam and Lauren, to Band Manager Bill Baines and Arlene, to Pipe Major John Cairns, and to all of the members of the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band. Best of luck as you move on to Scotland to the Worlds in Glasgow. We will be watching for you on the live web broadcast from the Glasgow Green.

Just a final, personal note: we enjoy the time we spend with our friends and family and the Glengarry Games weekend holds such special memories and stories over the decades. To our newest friends, to our families and to all who celebrated in any way with us this past weekend, Slàinte mhath!

Three days of perfect weather greeted the thousands of visitors who showed up for the 20th Stewart Park Festival. Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier spent many hours in John A. Stewart Park over the three days of free music and workshops that make up this event.

Not to take anything away from Friday or Saturday but Sunday was without question the largest crowd I remember both watching the Main Stage and the Wendy Laut Stage … and the music was as wide ranging as the crowd’s tastes: children’s music, folk, ethnic all the way to funk and rock. The sound from the stage was incredible. Many times it was approaching studio quality in a live, outdoor concert venue! Part of this is the intimate setting of the park which eliminates the need for overly massive systems one sees a larger festivals, the other reason is the closeup, personal nature of the festival in which the performers are only feet away from the audience and not towering above them on some security-screened massive stage. Still, the sound technicians at both stages deserve everyone’s commendations.

The Crier and his wife also took part in the official opening ceremonies on Saturday at 2:00 PM. It was a privilege to relate a story told to me by one of the performers in the festival’s first year (it did not become known as the Stewart Park Festival until its second year!) David Cavalier was the lead singer with a band called the “Sox” and well, the story is in the cry itself … but what is not said is that this was probably the last “Nightshirt Parade” held in Perth. You can read in the Courier how for generations these parades had been large community gathering events … and that night the magic of our community held true … so the proclamation went:

Twenty years ago a band called the “Sox” completed their sound check and looked out on a crowd of less than thirty people.

Little did they know that throughout Perth a Nightshirt Parade was taking place and minutes later hundreds of party-goers would fill Stewart Park to dance that opening Saturday night away.

For two decades the Stewart Park Festival has been a summertime fixture. When Jessie Stewart deeded this park to the Town in 1947 it was to be kept as “a place for relaxation and enjoyment” and so it is fitting that once again music, laughter, smiles and friendship should resound from John A. Stewart Park as it has done throughout our history.

On behalf of an entire community is my privilege to proclaim our thanks for twenty years of dedication and service to the generations who have come, are coming and will continue to come to this Festival to the each and every one of the volunteers.

The ongoing work of the hundreds who to volunteer to bring this Festival to us each year proves one again that here, in Heritage Perth, we are truly Aged to Perfection.

A tip of the Crier’s tricorn has to go to …

• all of the local residents who chose to walk to this year’s Festival in order to make for more parking
• the merchants who went the extra mile by staying open a little longer, holding packages for visitors so they could pick them up at the end of the day, or just made our guest’s day a little friendlier.
• to the hundreds of volunteers who manned the entrances, carried the signs, gave directions, cleaned up … you name it … always with a smile.
• to the Town employees who kept the grounds as clean as possible and always seemed to be one step ahead of every problem. To those in the Town Hall who deal with the untold numerous logistics both before and after the festival.
• to everyone who attended. This was not only the largest but one of the happiest, most patient and courteous audiences this Crier remembers.

Till next summer when we do it all over again!

It was a series of strange coincidences that brought a whole bunch of things together this year … all for the good.

It started when the Ontario Guild of Town Criers Provincial Championships was moved forward a week. Putting the event on Saturday, July 10th meant that we would be able to attend and not have to be in conflict with the Stewart Park Festival on the next weekend. Added to that, our daughter and son were now scheduled to appear at the games with the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band. The OGTC event also conveniently fit into our attending the Muskoka Escapades of Town Crying competition on Sunday, July 11th, and as luck would have it, we made contact with friends we had not spent time with since university and would spend the Friday with them. This was quite the unexpected convergence of dates, times and events.

Crier Bill McKee, the champion Crier from Oshawa, hosted the OGTC competition as part of the Oshawa International Festival. The weather backed off from the extreme heat of the weekdays and proved excellent for the event. Only one small problem … the Oshawa Festival attracted far more pipe bands then anyone had predicted and there were pipes and drums literally under every group of trees and on the streets surrounding the gardens. The constant swirl of the pipes is not something a lowly Crier can readily defeat … but we all gave it our best.

When the dust settled after the three cries Crier Bruce Kruger (Bracebridge) was the Ontario Championship. Crier Chris Whyman, having just returned as the winner of the World Tournament in Chester ended in up in third place and, in second place, from Heritage Perth, Crier Brent McLaren. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 catered the awards banquet with a quality meal that would rival many top restaurants. There was one additional highlight from the day: getting to lead the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band from the field after their sweeping Grade 1 victory! Total bonus — and there truly was a “Big band coming through!“

On to Bracebridge and the Muskoka Escapades sponsored by Swiss Chalet/Harveys. For my wife and I this marked the date of our 30th anniversary and we both agreed that this was a wonderful and somehow appropriate way to spend our time together. We drove out to the Muskoka Power Show and enjoyed that down home feeling we experience at so many of our local agricultural fairs. The Criers seemed to be fully on their game despite the full day of performances and long drives on the Saturday. After lunch at Swiss Chalet/Harveys it was on to Santa’s Village for the afternoon cry. Here, the Green Man made a rare summertime appearance and the afternoon cry, dedicated to my wife on our anniversary, was the best cry this Crier has ever delivered … well, at least in my personal opinion.

Chris Whyman, the World Champion Kingston Crier won the competition. David (Brantford) and Bill (Oshawa) McKee tied for second place and Mark Molnar (St. Catharines) took third place. Shelley won the prize for “Best Dressed Escort.” At the chicken and ribs supper there was one more special treat, a 30th anniversary cake that served to round out a wonderful trip that is full of great memories — so I guess you could say, “Chris won, but we took the cake!“

Many communities ask, “How does one learn to become a Town Crier?” The answer to that question is, to simply attend as many of these functions as possible. Town Criers help Town Criers. It is amazing how competitive we can be on one side, and how cooperative on the other. This Guild weekend fills both sides of the equation providing both competition and education.

To my fellow Criers … Cheers! It was wonderful spending our special weekend with you.

A special “Thank You!” to:

• Adam Baines (and Sarah) who arrived early, dressed in full uniform, and piped me into my first cry! Now that is a way to truly arrive at the podium.
• Bill and Liz McKee were gracious hosts who coped with so many things during the Championships and did it with style and humour. Liz also hand made a real cool (pun intended!) coffee cup protector for us!
• Bruce and Lyn Kruger and their son Shaun who hosted a splendid day in Bracebridge … along with so many other Krugers!
• The Town of Perth, in particular the Mayor and Council, Shellee, Karen(s) and Colleen, without whose support and encouragement this would simply not be possible.
• To Mrs. Town Crier (Shelley) who continues to walk beside me every step of the way.
• To the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band who asked us to lead them off the field — it was truly our honour to be in front of such a professional group of musicians.
• Special mention of the Paris / Port Dover Pipe Band and the Queen’s University Pipe Band who were assigned to the areas right next to us for warm-up. These two bands showed a great deal of respect by warming up down the road a bit during our competitions. This was a level of professional class and courtesy that our members want to publicly acknowledge and thank.

And now its on to Perth’s renowned Stewart Park Festival this upcoming weekend (July 16-18th) .. three days of free music where everyone is truly a winner!

Today, July 11, 2010 marks the 30th anniversary for Mr. & Mrs. Town Crier. How did we spend it … on the road at the Muskoka Escapades Town Crier Competition.  As part of the competition there was a cry held at Santa’s Village.

The topic of the cry was “What does Mrs. Claus do to keep Santa so jovial?” Each of the Criers give their own interpretation of the theme, proclaiming it to the audience and to Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus themselves, who posed for a picture with the Green Man and his Escort.

Here, in honour of his wife on their 30th anniversary, is what this Town Crier (who made a rare summertime appearance as The Green Man) proclaimed: