See you June 9th 2019!

Join us for a Scottish Festival for all ages

in honour of New Hamburg's founder - William Scott.

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William Scott was a young man in his 20s when he immigrated to Canada from Scotland in the 1830s.  He was an intrepid entrepreneur who purchased land that was to become New Hamburg. He established a sawmill so people could build houses; carding and a woolen mill to make clothing; a grist mill to grind wheat into flour and animal feed; a distillery; and a general store for people to buy food.  Scott increased his wealth by selling off land parcels and holding mortgages for people.

Scott first lived in a log cabin near where The Waterlot now rests.  After that he built the Mammoth Block [Zehr Insurance building], The Waterlot [as his house]; a country house on Bleams Road and a hotel near the railway station.

As well as being an astute businessman, he gave back to his community. He was the Common School Commissioner when schools were established in 1843; he donated land for the first school; he was the first post-master; he was the first village planner and was on the first Wilmot Township Council in 1850; he served as Reeve for the township; he was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1853 and he represented Wilmot Township in the Canadian government from 1858–1861.

In 1867, Scott and his family departed from New Hamburg to begin a life in New Zealand. He had a dream to create the community of New Hamburg and he left behind a well-established village.  He was an inspiration to those who followed him.

Had it not been for William Scott, New Hamburg might not have been created. We honour his memory and accomplishments with The William Scott Festival because we are thankful for the pathway he established.

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 Something for everyone!

New Hamburg FireFighters Breakfast - 8am
Come on down to the New Hamburg Fire Hall for an all- you-can-eat breakfast! Adults $10 and Kids $5 (under 3 free). Breakfast served until 1pm.

Scottish Beer Garden and Scotch Tasting - 12pm

Come on down and sample our very own Scottish Beer and Scotch tasting. Ready to enjoy at 12pm.

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Concert Band 12pm
The local concert band is comprised of local musicians, will perform high quality music with appeal to their audience.

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Opening Ceremonies - 12pm
Our opening ceremonies will feature the well known Stratford Pipe Band and of course our very own, Piper in ​the Burg! The parade will also incude many four legged Scottish friends.

Vendor Market Area - 12pm

Our vendor market features a variety of unique shopping and food tasting experiences.
 

Are you a Vendor?
Download our vendor package and join the fun on June 9th!
 

Soap Box Derby - 1pm

Calling all racers! The town of New Hamburg invites you to design and build your own soap box derby car, then put it to the test in our 2nd annual soap box derby.

Short on time? We have prebuilt race cars for sale that just need your artisitc designs added...and a racer. Not to worry we also have sponsored cars by our local Lions Club and Optimist Clubs. It other words car supplied just race! 
 

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START: Ramp at Hunter St and Huron St (Mark Jutzi Funeral Home)
FINISH: Hunter St at Scott Park St. 

*Registration must be completed a week prior to racing. One form per driver even if the car is shared. $25 registration fee. Pre registration is a must and registration closes June 1st.
*Drivers must be a minimum of 8 years old on race day

*CSA approved saftey helmet must be worn
*For fair racing and safety, all cars must meet specifications, and will be inspected by a licensed mechanic prior to racing.
 

***Registration package can be found by clicking the paperclip at top of page***

Prizes: Ribbons will be awarded for first through third place. Also for the most creative and best in show. No monies will be awarded.

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Best Burger in New Hamburg - 4pm

New Hamburg’s Best Burger Competition is part of the William Scott Festival. Compete for the one year title and trophy of New Hamburg's Best Burger! Have your burger compete against the others in our community and be taste tested by our panel of judges that includes Olympian Mandy Bujold.

Pro Division and Amateur Division restricted to Wilmot Township restaurants and residents.

Pro ($40 per team/business) and Amateur ($20 per individual or team).

                                                Request our registration form or click below.
 

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Profits from this event support New Hamburg community projects