This is the first National Fiddling Day in Canadian history, proclaimed unanimously in the legislature in March 2015. Introduced as a private member's bill by Liberal PEI Senator Libbe Hubley, it honours the rich Celtic heritage across the nation, celebrating Celtic music, dance, and folklore. Our local talented fiddler, 14 year old Alexander George, represented a youthful perspective when he spoke to the committee at the House of Commons, explaining to them why Celtic roots should be honoured and preserved. Members from all political parties voted as one to approve setting the third Saturday of May as an annual celebration of fiddling music. Alex said in an interview with me this evening, that he was chosen to speak to the committee members because he is passionate about fiddling, active in the Celtic music community in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, and truly believes that this part of our Canadian heritage deserves to be preserved and celebrated. I was struck by his maturity, his connection with history, and his appreciation of his roots.

We at Celtfest hope you have a wonderful day, perhaps celebrating in some special way this wonderful genre of music at a local pub or other venue. We look forward to making this an annual pre-celebration of Celtfest next year as we prepare for our 20th Almonte Celtfest festival in 2016. 

Watch next week for the May newsletter which will update you on a number of other behind-the-scenes planning activities going ahead for this year's festival!

And don't forget the Trivia Game at Moose McGuires on Friday May 22nd, a fundraiser for Almonte Celtfest 2015. Get your team of 6-10 people together, and plan to join us for the evening of fun, refreshment, and friendly competition!! Tickets are $10 and available at Moose McGuire's.
 
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For more information contact
Jane Torrance (Promotions) 613-256-3576, almonteceltfest@hotmail.com