By Paige Gurgainers
Bagpipes could be heard throughout downtown Minden Saturday morning as many gathered in front of Under Dawgs Sports Grill to celebrate Tartan Day.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox presented a proclamation officially designating April 6, 2024, as National Tartan Day.
“It is my pleasure to present a proclamation whereas on April 7, 1997, the United States Congress passed Senate Resolution 155 and on March 9, 2005, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 41. These two congressional resolutions officially designate April 6 of each year as National Tartan Day recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions made by the Scottish- Americans to the founding and development of our great nation.”
On April 6, 1320, a letter was written from the Scottish Earls and Barons in support of King Robert the Bruce and his battle for Scottish independence. This document became known as the Declaration of Arbroath or the Declaration of Scottish Independence.
“These sons and daughters of many Scottish clans were the first of many to settle in America. National Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate all Americans who claim Scottish ancestry,” said Cox.
Members of the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands were in attendance celebrating throughout the day celebrating the proclamation. They held many giveaways and handed out information regarding Tartan Day and the upcoming Scottish Tartan Festival set to take place at Miller Quarters Park on April 20th.
“We are here to kick off the official beginning of the Scottish Tartan Festival in Minden,” said Stephen Webb, member of the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands. “This is a new addition to our program to be visible and get out into the public. Last year we broke amazing records as far as attendance and participation from vendors. This year we will do better. We are here to not only promote Tartan Day, but to promote the festival here in Minden and we can’t think of a better place and a better group of people to work with.”
Webb mentioned Mayor Nick Cox, Johnnye Kennon with Webster Parish Tourism and the people of Minden for their continuous support of the festival.
“We absolutely love it and will always plan to have it here,” said Webb.