About the Carstairs Heritage Festival Foundation:

The Carstairs Heritage Festival Foundation(CHFF) is a registered Alberta society dedicated to producing and hosting the annual Carstairs Heritage Festival & Parade of Kilts. This free, one-day family event takes place in Memorial Park and features a lively parade, pipe band performances, a Highland Games competition, Highland dance demonstrations, Ceilidh Dance with crowd participation, Gaelic Choir, Scottish story telling, local vendors, and a family fun zone with a petting zoo, face painting, and interactive games.

Founded in 2019 by Sharon Lampitt and Pam Montgomery, the Foundation was created to celebrate Carstairs’ heritage, strengthen community spirit, and support local businesses. Sharon Lampitt is remembered for her vision and leadership, which continue to guide the organization today.

The first settlers of Carstairs were of Scottish descent. The name “Carstairs” can be traced back to the Castle of Tarres in Scotland, referenced in records dating back to the 12th century. This heritage remains central to the Festival’s identity and programming.

As one of only a few annual music festivals in Mountain View County, the Heritage Festival fills a unique cultural niche, offering a high-quality, accessible community event for local families not otherwise available in Carstairs or the surrounding region. A key focus of the festival is supporting local business. Through a strong “shop local” approach, the event showcases many local businesses each year, helping strengthen the local economy and community connections.

Sponsor contributions are directed with intention, delivering meaningful visibility while supporting a trusted, grassroots community initiative. The Foundation is powered by more than 50 local volunteers who serve on boards, committees, and event teams, contributing approximately 600 volunteer hours annually to deliver this signature community celebration.

Coverage of the 2025 Carstairs Heritage Festival:

Thank you to The Albertan (Mountain View Gazette) for the coverage: