Calgary's Chinook Blast Kilt Skate
After the Covid pandemic forced cancellation of the 2021 and 2022 events, the Great Canadian Kilt Skate returned to Calgary in 2023 with a blast. A blast of bagpipes…
And a Chinook Blast as the Calgary kilt skate took its place among the festivities of Calgary’s new winter festival. Why, even the bagpipers took to the ice.
And the skaters strapped on their blades.
They wore their kilts and their tartans.
They brought the kids.
They unfurled their flags.
They skated the Olympic Plaza
They played the skater games like “Crack the Whip.”
And they took breaks to watch from the sidelines.
All in a brilliant spring-like afternoon in downtown Calgary.
In the years before the pandemic, the Calgary kilt skates were often notable for their subarctic temperatures. But this year, David Aftergood, who organizes the annual kilt skate on behalf of the St. Andrew-Caledonian Society of Calgary, reported, “We had a glorious afternoon of Scottish culture in downtown Calgary. The weather was sunny and an amazing +9C.
“The skaters, the choir (who as part of the opening ceremonies, sing O Canada in Gaelic)…
“the bagpipers…
“and the highland dancers were all out in comfortable environment enjoying a spring like afternoon.
“The junior dancers got a rousing cheer for their sword dance rendition!!
“The Chinook Blast stage and infrastructure worked perfectly for the entertainment.”
David concludes, “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the free hot chocolate, which we ran out of after serving more than 200 cups.”
Well done, Calgary!
