Activities

The members of the St. Andrew's Society of Williamsburg present and participate in a variety of events during the year. These activities allow the members and friends to gather together as a community and celebrate Scottish heritage and promote Scottish culture. The following narratives provide general information on frequent St. Andrew’s Society events and activities. Although the actual dates for a particular year may vary, the descriptions explain the usual events that occur during that period.

Events

February 26 Burns Supper postponed due Omicron from January 22.

FFF

Tartan Day – Wednesday April 6 at 10 AM.

Grove Christian Outreach Center. Groceries donations.

Tartan Day – Saturday April 9 at 12 Noon.

Parade and Celebration at Palace Green and Bruton Parish Shop.

Spring Kirking – Sunday April 24 at 1115 AM.

Christ Church Kilmarnock.

Free Concert – Sunday April 24 at 4 PM.

Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Alasdair Fraser.

Founders Day – Friday May 15

Celebration of founding of the Society - Colonial Heritage.

Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration -

Thursday June 2. 5:30 PM SASW gathers on Palace Green at D.O.G. Stree. Parade with massed pipe band to Governor's Palace.

8:45 PM SASW meets behind W&M Wren building to join 9:00 PM formal ceremony.

*Novo

November 13: Fall Kirking and AGM

Pub Night – 4th Thursday every month at 5:30 PM.

Revolution Golf and Grill.

24 March

21 April

26 May

23 June.

Yearly Events

January

April

April / May

May

October /

November

Quarterly Luncheons

Charitable Activities

The year begins with Burns Night, a gala celebration of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, with members resplendent in full Highland Scottish attire. Conducted on or near the 25th of the month, this unique gathering is filled with Burns’ poems and songs, the powerful music of the pipes and drums, delicious food and drink, and all that makes for a fun and memorable evening.

Tartan Day is celebrated on or near the 6th of April. The occasion features refreshments, tours, interpretation of exhibits and events, and films emphasizing Scottish heritage and culture. You can read President Bush's 2008 Tartan day statement by clicking here.

The Kirkin’ of the Tartans features a blessing of the Tartans, recreating a popular Scottish-American event originated by the Rev. Peter Marshall in 1940. The spring Kirkin’ is a joint venture by virtually all of the Scottish organizations in eastern Virginia and is held at historic Christ Church in Irvington.

On the 8th of May, the members join in celebrating “Founders’ Day.” The event commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the St. Andrew's Society of Williamsburg on that date in 1968.

Society business requiring the participation of the entire membership is conducted at the society’s Annual General Membership (AGM) meeting. The event also provides a social opportunity for members to gather together and enjoy good food, fellowship, and entertainment.

The St. Andrew's Society of Williamsburg Kirkin’ of the Tartans features a blessing of the Tartans at one of the local Williamsburg churches. It is held on or near the 30th of November, St. Andrew’s Day. The moving ceremony is followed by a luncheon and a local site.

Society Quarterly Luncheons are held at various venues and give members an opportunity to gather together in an informal setting. The programs at the luncheons vary, but have included lectures on matters of Scottish interest and performances of Celtic music, dancing and song.

The Society conducts charitable activities by offering Scottish Arts Scholarships to encourage youth in participating in piping, drumming, and dancing educational opportunities. Further, arts donations and benevolence & charitable donations are made both directly to recipients and through recognized local charities.