Fredericton’s Kilted Skate Thrives Despite Frigid Temperatures

Residents of Fredericton braved temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius on January 21, 2023, to participate in the city’s third annual kilted skate event at Officers’ Square. The event, organized by the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew, celebrated Robert Burns Day, which honors the legacy of Scotland’s national poet and falls on January 25 each year.

Among the attendees was David McKinley, who showcased his skills by playing the bagpipes while donning a traditional Scottish kilt. “It must be my Scottish heritage. I am stubborn, I guess,” McKinley said, proudly wearing his family’s tartan. He noted that this year’s event was notably colder than previous ones, making it challenging to perform. “You can’t maintain a seal on your bagpipes, so you’re blown by the pipe,” he explained, adding that the cold made both his face and hands numb.

Despite the freezing conditions, the spirit of the event remained warm. Attendees shared their experiences on social media, with McKinley noticing his photographs appearing on profiles of individuals he did not know. “I have fun at the event every year, and my favourite part is being able to wear my family’s tartan,” he said.

The kilted skate attracted a diverse crowd, including Mike Romard, who expressed a long-held desire to wear a kilt. “They’re beautiful garments,” Romard remarked, sharing his interest in his Scottish roots and his efforts to learn Gaelic. He appreciated the gathering, which brought together people who share a passion for their heritage.

Community engagement was a central theme at the event. Cynthia Wallace-Casey, president of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew, explained that the idea for the kilted skate was inspired by a similar event in Ottawa that began a decade ago. “We have combined that with FROSTival events that are happening here in the city,” she said. FROSTival is a three-week-long celebration featuring a variety of indoor and outdoor winter activities.

Saturday’s gathering included not only skating but also food, music, and dance performances, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Wallace-Casey emphasized that the cold temperatures would not deter the community from celebrating their heritage. “We are tough Canadians — we enjoy the winters and the cold,” she declared.

The kilted skate event not only highlights the cultural connections between Canada and Scotland but also illustrates the resilience and camaraderie of the Fredericton community during winter festivities. As participants bundled up in their kilts, they celebrated their Scottish heritage, proving that even the harshest weather cannot dampen their spirits.