UPDATE: Our son won first and second prize in the primary group for Highland Dancing May 29, 2010!!!
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Welcome to the Alma Highland Festival
Literally thousands of people from the United States and Canada gather together once each year in Alma, Michigan “Scotland U.S.A.” to join in the celebration of the Alma Highland Festival and Games. This year marks the 42nd year and will be held May 22, 23 and 24, 2009, on the campus of Alma College. Alma is located in the middle of Lower Michigan, has a population of some 10,000 citizens, and has seen this event grow to become one of the largest, most prestigious attractions of its kind in the Mid West.
The 42nd Alma Highland Festival & Games will kick off Friday Night, with world class Celtic Entertainment. We have put together our own version of “Pure Michigan” tourism, with performances of, a Dancer, Fiddlers and Celtic Rock – “Michigan Style”. We are excited to present an entirely new weekend lineup including local talent Nic & Anna, Chelsea House Orchestra from Chelsea Michigan, Tosspints from Saginaw and Craic Wisely from West Michigan. The Entertainment Tent will offer music Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday. To read more about our “Pure Michigan” line up, visit our “Entertainment” section.
Other festival highlights include:
The Great Lakes Highland Dance Championship, featuring the best highland dancers from the USA and Canada.
The Heavyweight Professional Athletic Competition on Saturday and the Great Lakes Heavyweight Amateur Athletic Competition Sunday, where you can witness these strong men toss the caber (a cedar log the size of a telephone pole) with incredible ease.
US Open Pipe Band Championship featuring 27 to 32 pipe bands competing each year. They compete individually and also perform in Massed Bands which equates to 300-500 pipers and drummers playing in unison. When they play Amazing Grace it sends chills up your spine and brings tears to your eyes.
The Traditional Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-lee) in Hamilton Commons. Saturday night will feature a true impromptu entertainment venue in a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. Join us for a night of food, drink and traditional entertainment. Admission is $5 and scheduled to appear is Candyace Dunham and Maidens IV. Amateurs are always welcome.
The Saturday Morning Parade features Miss-Michigan and the Alma Queen of Scots, pipe bands, prize-winning floats, marching bands and an array of Scottish pageantry and if we are lucky “Nessy” the Loch Ness Monster will once again make a rare appearance.
Special events include a “Harp for All” Workshop where anyone can learn to play the harp. Border collie sheep-herding exhibition, Scottish Cattle, the Royal Scottish Country Dancers, Children’s games and the 42 Royal Regiment Reenactment group.
A vending area from which one can buy a kilt, bagpipes and just about anything Scottish. Our food vendors give you the chance to taste excellent Scottish food such as shortbread, empire biscuits, meat pies and briddies.
An Arts and Crafts Fair featuring over 120 crafters with the accent on Scottish goods.
Harvey Farkle Jr. ate pretty much whatever we shoved in his face, Leona Farkle purchased new reeds for her pipes and ol' Harv Farkle here bought his first kilt. (
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