Alma Highland Festival 2012

We are fortunate to be the home for the Michigan Steam Railroading Club here in Owosso. The gem is the steam train that was the sound track for the Polar Express Movie.. The engine is under repair right now, and the club holds many fundraisers to pay for the mandated maintenance. The Government requires that the engine undergo a complete tear down every 15 years which costs around $800,000.
This year they offered a train ride to Alma, Michigan to attend the yearly Highland Festival. This was our first time attending. I have never seen so many kilts in my life!

We were pulled by a traditional locomotive using vintage rail cars.

We got to Alma in time for the parade.  I loved the Motorcyle riding fireman wearing his kilt! Sorry about picture quality, was using my cell phone!

Here is a shot of Fuzzy enjoying one of the suckers thrown into the crowd.\

We were disappointed that more highland bands were not a part of the parade.

I believe these men represented some type of soldier garb from Scotland.

The highlight was the band competition. They also held a grand concert with over 13 bands from all over the US and Canada playing together.

There were also Highland Games held. This is a contestant throwing a weighted ball and chain.

An interesting fashion choice.. Hawaiian shirt and kilt! Again sorry about the blurry cell phone shot.

We were not able to attend the Highland dance competition, but got a shot of these cuties at the award ceremony!