Spring Fling 2026 Comes to Kamloops: Celebrating Music, Community, and a Proud Tradition.
The spirit of piping and drumming will be alive and well in Kamloops as the Kamloops Pipe Band Society prepares to host Spring Fling 2026—a weekend that promises music, camaraderie, competition, and no shortage of laughter. Drawing participants from across British Columbia’s Interior, this annual gathering is as much about reconnecting with friends as it is about showcasing talent.
Festivities will begin Friday evening at the Rocky Mountain Rangers’ Armoury, where doors open at 4:00 p.m. Attendees can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with stories, shared meals, and lively tunes. A spirited solo Hornpipe and Jig competition will kick off the entertainment—complete with a playful competitive edge—followed by an evening of performances featuring a wide range of musical styles and instruments.
Saturday’s events will bring the full spectacle of pipe band tradition to Riverside Park. After a morning breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion #52, bands will parade individually beginning at 10:30 a.m.,
demonstrating precision in dress, deportment, and musical performance. A creative twist comes in the form of a “counter-march,” adding flair and personality to each band’s presentation. The morning will
culminate in a powerful massed band performance near the Bandshell—an experience that is sure to resonate with participants and spectators alike.
The competition continues into the afternoon with medley performances, where bands will be judged on piping, drumming, and overall ensemble. As the day winds down, attention will shift to the evening’s festivities at the Sandman Centre. Dinner at the Kia Lounge sets the stage for the ever-popular skit and dance competitions—events that highlight the creativity and humour of participating bands. Live music from the band Inverse, along with a special performance by the Kamloops Pipe Band Society, will carry the celebration late into the night.
While Spring Fling is a vibrant and modern gathering, it is also deeply rooted in Kamloops’ rich piping and drumming heritage—a tradition that stretches back well over a century.
Piping in Kamloops can be traced to the late 1800s, when the St. Andrews and Caledonian Society, established in 1887, helped foster Scottish cultural traditions in the region. The first organized pipe
band emerged in the early 1920s with the Harrington Pipe Band, a remarkable family ensemble led by William “Billy” Harrington. Though short-lived, the group set the stage for future generations of pipers
and drummers in the city.
In the decades that followed, several iterations of pipe bands came and went, reflecting both the enthusiasm and the challenges of sustaining such groups. The Kamloops Pipe Band of the 1930s and 1940s, and a later revival in the late 1950s supported by the Rocky Mountain Rangers, each contributed
to the evolving musical landscape, even as they eventually disbanded.
A lasting foundation was established in 1962 with the creation of the Kamloops Legion Pipe Band, supported by Royal Canadian Legion #52. Under dedicated leadership and strong community backing,
the band became a central presence at civic events and parades. It is also important to recognize the contributions of Bob Gallaher, who took on the role of Pipe Major in 1974 and played a pivotal role in leading the transition from the Legion band to the Kamloops Pipe Band Society in 1978—laying the groundwork for the band’s continued success.

Since its formation, the Kamloops Pipe Band Society (KPBS) has built an impressive legacy—competing at Highland Games across North America and internationally, including appearances at the World Championships in Scotland. Several distinguished individuals have been part of this journey, including Duncan Rankine, who previously served as Pipe Major of the Royal Scots during the Second World War and later as Pipe Major of the Black Watch of Canada (RHC) in the 1950s. The band’s commitment to excellence has been matched by its dedication to community service, maintaining strong ties with local organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, the Army-Navy-Air Force Association, the Kamloops Freemasons, and the Rocky Mountain Rangers.
Today, under the leadership of Pipe Major Scot Kortegaard—who has led the band for the past 27 years
—and Lead Drummer Chessa Ryan, the Kamloops Pipe Band Society remains an active and growing part of the region’s cultural fabric. With plans to return to Scotland for the World Championships in 2028, the band continues to look ahead while honouring the traditions of the past.
Spring Fling 2026 is more than just an event—it is a celebration of that enduring legacy. For participants and spectators alike, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the power of pipe band music, the warmth of community, and the continuation of a proud Canadian-Scottish tradition in Kamloops.

submitted by Andrew Moore

RESULTS are in from a great weekend of music, fun, friendships, and memories made! Congratulations to all the bands participating and entertaining: Kamloops, Kelowna, Vale United, Shuwsap/Revelstoke, Kalamalka, Kimberley, Trail, Nelson, and Prince George.

Friday, May 1 2026

Hornpipe/Jig competition: 10 Competitors and Adjudicators: P/M Scot Kortegaard and Paul Petchnick both from Kamloops pipe band.

1. Alan MacLeod Kootney Kilties, Nelson
2. Kevin Watsyk, Vale United, Southern Interior
3. Doug Bird, Vale United, Southern Interior
4. Andrew Moore Kelowna Pipe Band, Kelowna

“Most Entertaining” sponsored by BCPA :

Jim Wright Shuwsap Pipes and Drums, presented by BCPA director, Andrew Moore

Saturday, May 2 2026

• Dress & Deportment – Kelowna Pipe Band
• Best Counter March – Kelwona Pipe Band
• Medley Competition winning the McPherson Ladies Pipe Band Memorial trophy – Vale United
• Best Dance Routine – Shuwsap
• Best Skit – Kalamalka Highlanders

After the weekend scores were tallied from all events:

1. Kelowna Pipe Band
2. Nelson Pipe Band
3. Shuwsap Pipes and Drums

The Pipe Bands taking part in Spring Fling 2026 were: Kamloops, Kelowna, Vale, Shuwsap/Revelstoke, Kalamalka, Kimberley, Trail, Nelson, and Prince George.