Welcome to Alma, Scotland USA - Alma, MI
N 43° 22.742 W 084° 41.124
16T E 687498 N 4805509
Alma, MI really shows its Scottish pride.
Waymark Code: WM6FKY
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 05/26/2009
Views: 5
Alma, MI just celebrated its 42nd annual Alma Highland Festival and Games. Held on the campus of Alma College, thousands of people from the US and Canada join to make this event the largest of its kind in the Mid-west.
Events 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.
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