July 5, 2026
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A massive crowd packed Victoria Park, Kincardine, Friday night, to enjoy the popular, high-energy performance by ABBAMANIA Canada.
The headline act was part of the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games, which officially got under way with the opening ceremonies.
Festival president Tony Doherty welcomed the dignitaries to the stage to say a few words, and introduced the Grand Chieftain and Laird of the Loch, Duncan Hawthorne.
"Welcome, everyone, to this formal kick-off of the festival," said Hawthorne. "If this is your first time here, welcome, and you're going to have a great time. It never rains here, but if it gets a bit moist, there's a beer tent to hide under.
"I officially declare the 27th Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games, open."
Terry Rothmaier, senior vice-president of nuclear operations at Bruce Power, told the crowd this is the second time Hawthorne has asked him where his kilt was.
He noted this year is the 25th anniversary of Bruce Power and said 26 years ago, he was working at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). He was asked if he wanted to stay at OPG or go to work for the new company, British Energy. He went with the new company and then there were concerns about whether it would continue.
"Thanks to Duncan (Hawthorne), Bruce Power was formed and his leadership legacy continues today.
"Bruce Power is all about community which is why we support this amazing event. You have about 200-300 volunteers working at the festival. Say thank you to them for their hard work and dedication. There's so much to see here. Enjoy the weekend!"
Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig brought greetings from the council and staff of the municipality. "Kincardine has proudly hosted this event for 27 years. Congratulations to Tony (Doherty) and his team."
Christine John of Saugeen First Nation sang the American national anthem, followed by the Canadian national anthem in Ojibway, French and English, and the Scottish national anthem.
The evening concert began with Kenny Jamieson and Stuart Mackintosh of Schiehallion who travelled from Inverness, Scotland, to be part of the live music at the festival.
MC Andy McBride saw them perform in Inverness and invited them to come to Kincardine.
"This is fantastic," said Jamieson. "We've never been to Canada before. We arrived in Toronto on Wednesday and our first stop on the way here, was at the Tim Hortons in Orangeville."
Schiehallion is popular in Scotland and became a fan-favourite in Kincardine.
Couples learn the steps of the Canadian Barn Dance to the music of Schiehallion, at the Kincardine Scottish Festival
ABBAMANIA then took to the stage, much to the excitement of the crowd as hundreds rushed to the front to sing along to the many great ABBA songs, and dance to the music. This group was a headliner at the festival in 2024 and 2023, and consistently has the park rocking!
ABBAMANIA keeps Victoria Park rocking at the Kincardine Scottish Festival
Also performing Friday night, were Classic Elton John, and the Glengarry Bhoys, followed by DJ Joseph J and his video dance party.
Classic Elton John performs at the Kincardine Scottish Festival
Stay tuned for more coverage of the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games on the Kincardine Record!
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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