The celebration begins with the Hector Classic Golf Tournament all day Friday, Sept. 13 at the Abercrombie Golf Course. Golfers from around the province will participate and enjoy some true Highland hospitality at the pre-golf reception aboard the ship Hector on Thursday evening.
Saturday begins bright and early with a Highland Breakfast at the Quay from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Pancakes and sausages will be served and the cost is $5 per person. Admission to the Hector Heritage Quay is free all weekend with many activities planned for the two days.
On Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. the Below Deck display will be unveiled and open to the public. This project is the final component to the site enhancement project that has happened at the Quay, beginning with the refurbishment of the sea wall last year, and followed this year with site enhancements including re grading the yard, decks and walkways.
The Below Deck display will give visitors a better understanding of the living conditions endured by the Hector settlers on their epic journey to Nova Scotia in 1773. Several costumed animators will be on site and refreshments will be served in the Captain’s cabin.
Worship with a Celtic Flair will take place on Sunday morning at Pictou United Church beginning at 10:30 a.m.—storytelling, highland dancing, gaelic singing and Celtic music will be part of the service and is open to all.
Sunday is the actual anniversary date of the arrival of the Hector and NaGaisGich pipe band will begin the celebrations at the Quay beginning at 12:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment all afternoon at the Quay and everyone is encouraged to bring a chair as seating is limited. After a full afternoon of music a Celebration Ceilidh begins at 5:30 p.m. featuring Jimmy Sweeney, Alycia Putnam, Fleur Mainville and John Spyder Macdonald—don’t forget your sweater as all events will be outside.
Highland Homecoming is the perfect opportunity to visit the Hector Quay and see all the improvements and renovations that have taken place over the past year. The site is owned and operated by volunteers and will be open until the Thanksgiving weekend in October. For further information please check the web site or facebook page. www.shiphector.ca
