Saskatoon: Wi' a hundred skaters, an' a', an' a'

Last year, Saskatoon was declared "Kilt Skate Capital of Canada." For the Third Annual Sir John A's Great Canadian Kilt Skate -- and the celebration of Canada150 -- the Saskatoon Highland Dancing Association redoubled its efforts and drew over a hundred kilted skaters among the 300 who gathered at Cameco Meesawin Skating Rink on a Saturday afternoon perfect for skating.

We often see a piper or two -- or even three -- at Sir John A's Great Canadian Kilt Skate. But I think this is the first time we've seen pipes and drums.

The event was well-covered by the media, including the CBC which set up a live video feed available on the Facebook page of the Scottish Pavilion, Ottawa Folkfest. Jill Sauter, who organized the event along with Rachelle Lockwood, gives a great interview. Here's Global's coverage.

A hundred kilted skaters! Three hundred turning out in their tartans and other Scottish regalia! In a city of 300,000, that makes Saskatoon a serious contender to retain the title of Kilt Skate Capital.

But hold on!  Calgary has big plans for its Third Annual Sir John A's Great Canadian Kilt Skate on February 12. And after a year's hiatus, Winnipeg is returning to the kilt skate family with an event on February 19. They're both working hard to knock Saskatoon off its perch as the Kilt Skate Capital of Canada.

Watch for further details -- and stay tuned for the upcoming blog about the kilt skate we held in Ottawa, where we had to change venues just two days before the event, but drew great crowds in what many have said is our best kilt skate yet.