Highland Festival begins Friday in 'Scotland USA'


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This weekend, Scottish clans and interested onlookers will get together for Highland dancing, bagpipes, kilts and camaraderie.

To festival participants, Alma is known as "Scotland USA." 

The Highland Festival and Games, held at Alma College, takes place every Memorial Day weekend. This year's events will begin Friday, May 24 and conclude May 24. Throughout the three days, the festival is busy with various activities for all ages.

Tickets are for sale at the gate with cash or check only. They cost $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, military and children ages 6-17. For those five and under, admission is free. 

Two-day passes are also available at $25 for adults and $15 for seniors, children and military.

Housing is available on Alma College's campus for $49 per night. Those interested can call the Alma College Conference Center at (989) 463-7950. For alternative housing, there are several campgrounds within a 25-mile radius of Alma. 

On campus meals are being offered at Hamilton Commons on campus Saturday and Sunday. 

Here is a guide to each day of the festival.

Friday, May 22

At 5:45 p.m., the Alma Jazz Band will perform on the front lawn of the Heritage Center. The activity will then move inside for the choreography dance competition. Teams, duets and individuals will take the stage. Admission is $5. 

Following the dance competition, Jedi Mind Trip, an 80s classic rock band, will perform. Admission for the show is $5. 

Saturday, May 23

Saturday's main events are the downtown street parade at 10 a.m. and the opening ceremony, held in the football stadium, at 12:15 p.m. This will include an official welcome, Parade of Tartans, Royal Scottish Country Dancers and a massed band performance. 

The Highland Dance Competition will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. in the Hogan Center. 

A Kid's Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m. the Arts & Crafts fair will begin as well as a Reenactment Camp. Also at 9, the professional athletic events, including the caber toss, will begin. 

The band competition begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by a performance from the Scottville Clown Band at 1 p.m. on the Heritage Center Lawn. Professional athletic events will continue from 1:30-5 p.m. 

Children's Games will begin at 2 p.m. in the Heritage Center lobby, followed by massed bands and country dancing. 

Sunday, May 24

Sunday's highlight includes the U.S. open pipe band competition at 12:30 p.m. 

Beginning at 8 a.m., the solo piping and drumming competition will begin, followed by amateur athletic events and blessing of the tartans at 9 a.m. in the Clan Area. 

In the entertainment tent, Chelsea House Orchestra & Mother Grove will perform from noon to 6 p.m. 

The closing ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the football stadium. It will include an awards presentation and a massed band performance. 

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Sydney Smith is a super-senior at Central Michigan University. She comes from metro Detroit ...

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