Hogman-eh! 2022 the SSO Team did it again!
Building on 10 years of experience, two of which were virtual presentations, and amid some uncertainties, the Scottish Society of Ottawa’s Hogman-eh! team was determined to host a fantastic in-person New Year’s Eve party at Lansdowne Park December 31, 2022. We knew that we were responsible for upholding a great tradition. Not only is Hogman-eh! one of the biggest public celebrations in Ottawa, it is also the biggest Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration outside of Scotland.
Countless hours went into the planning and execution of this event starting from late summer to the “day of”. We could not have done it without the dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer team who helped with grant applications, sponsorship, communications, publicity, entertainment, logistics, hospitality, tickets sales, volunteers, finance and much more. Plus, we had fun anticipating the final hours of the year! The core team was joined by dozens of volunteers on New Year’s Eve and it was exciting to see enthusiastic musicians and dancers show up, so keen to give their best. One could feel the exhilaration of “coming out of hibernation” after two years of lockdowns and challenges.
We could not have been happier with the results. Through the evening more than 3000 people attended the live event and an equal number watched on-line. The quality of the entertainment was exceptional with Alan Frew (formerly of Glass Tiger) and his band headlining the event. Celtic rockers Mariner’s Curse and bagpipe rockers The Mudmen kept the place hopping through the evening. Reel Ottawa Dance Company and Marielle Lespérance regaled us with their elegant choreographies and nimble footwork. The lively audience of all ages provided feedback ranging from: “Friendly and cool atmosphere”, “best party in Ottawa, maybe in Canada”, “What a fun celebration! So much talent and entertainment!”
Our event was held at Lansdowne Park in the heart of Ottawa. The Kids’ Zone, Hall of Origins and Climate Café were held in the Horticulture Building which hosted a happy scene for families where many learned about Scottish history and heritage. The main event was held in the impressive and iconic Aberdeen Pavilion next door. Opened in 1898, it is one of the last remaining Victorian Fair buildings. It marshalled soldiers before they set off to the Boer War and two World Wars. The building is also known as the “Cattle Castle” because it held many agricultural exhibitions through the years and, did you know, it is the last standing facility that hosted the Stanley Cup games as defended by the original Ottawa Senators in 1902-1904. The Aberdeen’s high-ceilinged and spacious interior is a perfect venue for Hogman-eh.
As a bagpiper myself, one of my favourite moments was when the Ottawa Caledonian Pipes and Drums led the kids and young (Ottawa Highland Dance Association) dancers into the Aberdeen Pavilion for the “New Year’s in Scotland” balloon drop at 7 pm (midnight in Edinburgh). This was followed by a massed highland fling. After the midnight countdown the Ottawa Highlanders Pipes and Drums led the crowd outside to see the marvellous fireworks display, joined by other members of the public bringing in the New Year. We could not resist asking The Mudmen to do their final rambunctious set after the fireworks. Folks still wanted to party!
Armed with this fresh experience, the SSO Hogman-eh! Committee met this week to find ways to make next New Years Eve even more, as the Scots say, “braw” or excellent. We are all glad that we went for it this year and “did it again”. It was such a fun and entertaining experience. We hope you might come join our Hogman-eh! team as a volunteer, make new friends and enjoy a great adventure!
By: Donald Macdonald, Hogman-eh! 2022 Director