Alma Highland Festival - Alma, Michigan

**kiltedrennie** · 25th April 13, 05:32 AM

Is anyone planning to go to the Alma Highland Festival in Alma, Michigan?

My wife and I are planning to go for the first time this year. Someone once told me to go Saturday if I'm only going for one day. If you've been before, any suggestions for a newbie?

**Katia** · 25th April 13, 10:13 PM

I would agree with Saturday being the day to go, though you might consult the schedule on the website and see if that is the best bet based on what you want to see. On Saturday you'll catch the road race, the younger dancers (Sunday is only a closed championship for higher-level dancers so if you want to see five-year-olds bouncing around, that's not your day), and I believe athletics and band competitions, though one or both of these may go both days (and naturally the website won't load for me at the exact time I wish it to, so I can't check on that for you). This will be the first year I'll be there both days, so I can't speak from experience on what will be there on Sunday, as far as animal exhibitions, music, and such.

If you want to spend the night, lodging can be had in the dorms, as long as you keep in mind that some of the bands may stay up late (a good piper last year finally called it quits some time after midnight... next time I'm just going to give up on sleep and go join the party) and people will probably be getting up early to get ready for road race and various competitions. It's... you know... a college dorm, so nobody's going to put a mint on your pillow, but it's not TOO pricey and it's a convenient place to sleep.

Also remember that if you're arriving in the morning, you will wish to do so plenty early; the streets close down for the parade and then it's impossible to get through if you need to park close (this includes access to handicapped parking). Before around 10 a.m. should be fine, I think (I can't remember exactly what time they close the streets). Do expect to park a ways away on a side street and walk many blocks to get to the actual site.

**kiltedrennie** · 26th April 13, 05:34 AM

Thanks for the advice! Especially on arriving early and parking. My wife's back isn't great so we'll want to get their early. Sounds like we would enjoy both days, have to save that for next year.

**Katia** · 26th April 13, 02:33 PM

Yes, and even the handicapped parking is limited and can fill up quickly. My mum uses a walker... more than once I've had to drop her as close as possible and then park the car elsewhere and walk back (the last time, I returned to her only to find she'd started chatting up the cop on the corner, who'd subsequently given permission for me to bring the car 'round... too late! But it was good of him).

**kiltedrennie** · 26th April 13, 06:21 PM

Thanks!

Maybe we'll bump into you. :-)

**Katia** · 24th May 13, 08:03 AM

Hey all-- Not sure who else is headed out there, but have a great time!

**pbutts** · 24th May 13, 08:25 AM

Should be a perfect weekend....we've been in 80' heat and cold and rainy, but it looks like a good weekend for lilting. Athletic events and dancing are usually both days. Solo piping in the mornings and bands on Sunday afternoon as I recall. Sadly a mix of work, family, and band obligations are keeping me in West Michigan this weekend.

**kiltedrennie** · 24th May 13, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by pbutts

Should be a perfect weekend....we've been in 80' heat and cold and rainy, but it looks like a good weekend for lilting. Athletic events and dancing are usually both days. Solo piping in the mornings and bands on Sunday afternoon as I recall. Sadly a mix of work, family, and band obligations are keeping me in West Michigan this weekend.

Sorry you can't make it. My wife and I are really looking forward to going.