‘It’s disruptive;’ Scottish Heritage Day canceled due to government shutdown
PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) — The cannon fire commemorating the fight of Scottish soldiers in the Revolutionary War typically echoes through Moores Creek National Battlefield, but not this year.
The government shutdown has silenced the battlefield and the Scottish Heritage Day has had to make other plans.
“It’s disruptive,” said Katherine Fort, president of the Scottish Society of Wilmington.
Fort said they’ve been through this before.
“Two years ago there was also a government shutdown at the beginning of October and we were not sure if it was going to happen or not, fortunately that was resolved, and the festival did go ahead,” Fort said.
The Scottish festival would have served as a launch for the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridges.
“People have been planning their weekend around this for months now, and to just have it all swept away is frustrating,” Fort said.
In a statement, the director of Topsail Chamber of Commerce says they worry for the impact the shutdown will have on tourism
“We are very disappointed that the Scottish Heritage event and the First in Freedom Festival kick-off was canceled due to the government shutdown,” Tammy Porter said in a statement. “Our National Parks play an important role in our tourism industry. Moores Creek National Battlefield is the only national park in Southeastern North Carolina.”
Event organizers encourage attendees to visit the park website and social media for updates on the celebration.
