As we enter the month of May, summer finally seems to be within reach! Memorial Day weekend is for boating, barbequing, camping, or whatever else you enjoy doing to ring in summer in Michigan. But for as long as I can remember, my long weekend has looked a little different, consisting instead of traditional Scottish kilts, bagpipes, pasties, local brews, and an intriguing selection of spectator sports. Instead of heading to a lake, I spend my Memorial Day weekend in Alma, at the annual Highland Festival and Games.
My hometown holds a special place in my heart. On a typical weekend, a traveler pulling off on US-127’s Exit 123 will be greeted by a quiet little college town, a welcoming community with a handful of cute shops and restaurants, and not much else. But for three days only, during the last weekend in May, Alma (better known as Scotland, USA) completely transforms as thousands flock to one of the largest Scottish festivals in the Midwest.
If you’ve never attended a Celtic festival, you might find yourself questioning the appeal, and honestly, you have to see it for yourself to truly understand why so many can’t get enough. In college, my (now) husband and I started inviting friends from out of town to experience the festival for the first time, and without fail, the moment everyone “gets it” is when they’re seated in the football stadium watching the massed bagpipe bands. You haven’t heard Scotland the Brave or Amazing Grace until you’ve heard it played by the hundreds of pipers from all over the country marching towards you on a warm May morning. I’m not ashamed to admit that I get full-body chills and shed a few tears every single year.
Besides enjoying the hauntingly beautiful bagpipes, festival-goers can meander to the beer tent to experience live Celtic music and sip some of Alma’s local brews, peruse the arts and crafts fair, taste traditional Scottish foods, see the border collies’ herding demonstration, say hello to the Queen of Scots and her court, buy a kilt, watch the various athletic competitions (like the caber toss, sheaf toss, or highland dancing), and more!
So, if you find yourself lacking plans this Memorial Day weekend, head on over to Mid-Michigan and check out the Alma Highland Festival and Games. You don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy one of my favorite summer events!
For more information, please visit http://www.almahighlandfestival.com.
