By Tammy Schneider

This Saturday evening, June 22, crowds will gather at Victoria Park and along Queen Street to take part in a procession that has been a summer standard since 1948. The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band invites locals and vacationers to participate in the parade that will run every Saturday this summer until its final performance on Aug. 31. The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band was formed in 1908 and counted 10 musicians in its membership. Today, the band has 45 active members and can be seen performing not only during the Saturday evening parades, but also at public events, grand openings, birthdays and private functions. KSPB is not a competitive ensemble and is categorized as a street band, focused on promotion, performing and instruction. The band is regularly invited to perform around the world, and recently took part in a concert on the east coast of Canada. After flying to Halifax on May 27, the band played at both the Citadel and the Pier 21 Museum before heading for PerthAndover, New Brunswick, to take part in the Festival of Scots on June 1. While the KSPB takes part in the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games, it is not affiliated with the popular event, and operates independently as a charitable organization. In addition to the Saturday parades, KSPB will host the 28th annual Gathering of the Bands, scheduled to be held on Aug. 24. On this day, Victoria Park is alive with the
sound of pipes and drums, as bands from across the country and the border arrive in Kincardine. The event begins at 11 a.m. and offers a full day and evening of music, entertainment and an all-you-can-eat hot dog and corn roast. The Massed Band Parade at 8 p.m. is one of the best-attended parades of the summer, and paradegoers should arrive early to ensure a spot curbside. KSPB has also partnered with two local schools, Huron Heights and Elgin Market Public School, to introduce students in Grade 4 to the instruments used in the pipe band. It is hoped that some of these students may develop an interest in performing and become the pipers of the next generation.