Dundee Scottish Festival to honor SPC Scott

DUNDEE — The 2011 Dundee Scottish Festival will be dedicated in honor of SPC Christopher J. Scott, the Military Police killed in Afghanistan on Sept. 3. Scott, from nearby Tyrone, N.Y. was a 2009 graduate of Dundee Central School. His body will be arriving in Dundee on Sept. 10, during the festival, which celebrates Dundee’s Scottish heritage.Fran Willis, organizer of the festival and parade, says several things are being done to honor Scott during the parade, and the festival will become a celebration of his life. The parade begins at 10 a.m.Everyone who wants will be wearing a yellow arm band in his honor, says Willis. When the procession carrying his body approaches Dundee, the festival, being held at Black Rock Speedway, just south of Dundee on State Route 14A, will stop, and will become quiet to greet the procession. The gathered pipe bands will play Amazing Grace as the procession passes the festival grounds. A caparison horse will follow the procession from the festival grounds to the Baird Funeral Home on Water Street.The Dundee Scottish Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Black Rock Speedway with three stages of entertainment including music and dancing, Scottish Highland Games, Scottish Equestrian Drill Team, Sheepherding demonstrations, traditional Scottish foods along with traditional festival foods, games and activities for children, wine tastings, a variety of vendors and much more.The day’s activities begin at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Dundee Presbyterian Church, followed by Kirkin’ O’ Tartans ceremony at 9 a.m., also at the Presbyterian Church. The parade steps off from Dundee Central School at 10 a.m. and ends at the festival grounds. Admission is $10 for ages 18 to 80 — all others are admitted free. For details visit www.dundeescottishfestival.com. For more about calling hours and the funeral service for Christopher Scott, visit www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.