Second Annual Tartan Day Festival in Buchanan, Scottish heritage celebrated

BUCHANAN, Mich. - With the support of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Valley Scottish Societies, the Second Annual Tartan Day Festival will go on at River St. Joe Brewery on April 6, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tartan Day is an annual celebration of Scottish culture, and the unique garment that Scots hold dear, the tartan.

Organizers say feel free to dress in your finest plaids and come down for Tartan Day.

Organizers have released the line-up of events and offerings for this year including:

• Scottish dance performances from the Kalamazoo Scottish Country Dancers
• Live bagpipes from members of the Caledonia Kilty Pipe Band
• Traditional Scottish music from Cammi and Robert Adams of the Grand Rapids Scottish Society
• Scottish Culture and Kinship Tent with the Kalamazoo Valley Scottish Society
• "Dressed to Kilt" contest and prizes
• Kalam A. Moose from Canadiana Fest will be arrive to take pictures and start the games
• The Highland Games commence! Including Caber Toss, Wellie Toss (Kids and Adults), Potato Sack Race (Kids and Adults), Tug-of-War, and more

Organizers say you can enjoy traditional Scottish music in the event tent, check out the Scottish Heritage Tent from the Kalamazoo Valley Scottish Society, or try the Highland food specials and River St. Joe beer, cider, and wine during the entire event.

Festival Schedule:

12 p.m. - Registration opens for the Highland Games and Dressed to Kilt competition

1 p.m. - Watch a performance of traditional dance from the Kalamazoo Scottish Country Dancers in event tent

1:45 p.m. - Dressed to Kilt contest judging starts in event tent

2 p.m. - Kalam A. Moose from Canadiana Fest will arrive to take pictures and start the games

2:30 p.m. - The Highland Games commence, including Caber Toss, Wellie Toss (Kids and Adults), Potato Sack Race (Kids and Adults), Tug-of-War, and more

The River Saint Joe Brewery is located at 15475 Walton Rd. in Buchanan.

Entry is free and all ages are welcome. No reservation needed and all service is first come, first served. If you have questions, you can email organizers at [email protected].

You can also view the official Facebook event page for further details and updates.