We’ll start praying now for a warm, dry, sunny day on Saturday, August 7, 2010 beginning around 2PM.  Actually if truth be known, the event of this day continues to be enjoyed by all in attendance year after year, regardless of the weather forecast!  I would be referring to the Annual Highland Village Day concert held on the hill in Hector’s Point, Iona, Cape Breton Island.  The view is second to none.  Pitched high up on the mount overlooking the Bras D’Or Lake and the Barra Strait, listening to a big MSR medley (March/Strathspey/Reel) from some of the finest musicians in the world, many who are residents of Central Cape Breton and surrounding communities, is about the best way to spend a summer afternoon in Cape Breton Island.  Young and old alike bring their lawn chairs, their blankets and coolers, snacks and sunscreen and make themselves comfortable for the afternoon while they are appreciatively entertained with music from our Gaelic culture.  

From its’ inception many years ago, performers continue to return with eagerness to participate and just play tunes.  They have fun with music here.  The big, upright Heintzman perched off to the side of the stage makes for a true kitchen atmosphere and the ring that travels up the hill as the chords and bass runs are played, is a sound that really makes this day real.  The fiddle/piano combination salutes the audience in front and paints the day with an aura of peace, enjoyment and gratitude.  All who are afforded the good fortune of sitting on that hill are counting their blessings, they don’t want the day to end, the memory is savored and their minds begin to plan for the evenings’ entertainment to follow………..the dance at the legion!    “Who is playing for the dance”………the answer to this question would have been circulated around the hill for many hours that day.  Is it Carl  ?  Is it Brent?  Are Kyle and Sheamus playing tonight?  It doesn’t matter.  The crowd will be out, the legion will be packed, and it will definitely be a great time!