Bagpiping Through Alameda On New Year's Eve

ALAMEDA, CA — An Alameda tradition is entering its 4th year - Andy MacKay and Team Pipe-athon, dressed like the Blues Brothers in kilts, will play Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes at every bar in Alameda on New Years Eve. In addition to bringing Scottish Cheer to the city, they will be raising money for the American Cancer Society. Last year they raised more than $4,000 - a total they plan to top this year.

The trio will start at McGee's on Park Street at 7 p.m. They will play in every bar on the East End, cross-island to the West End, finishing at the 1400 Bar and Grill sometime around 9 p.m.

"It’s a great way to spread some traditional Scottish New Year Cheer around Alameda, and to raise some much needed funds to combat cancer” MacKay says. He lost his father to cancer two years ago, and currently has family and friends affected by the disease.

“We’re starting a wee bit later this year, and hoping that people will come out to support their local bars and the Pipe-athon on the best night of the year” comments MacKay. “We’ll only be in each bar for about 5 minutes so make sure to be there early, or you’ll miss us!”

You can get a jump on donations - click right here, right now to donate to Andy's American Cancer Society fundraiser.

Andy calls his effort Hogmabay, and provides this definition:

• Hogmanay ~ New Year's Eve in Scotland - best night of the year
• Hogmabay ~ New Year's Eve in the Bay Area - best night of the year

Come celebrate the New Year and help a great cause at the same time!

-Photo courtesy of Andy MacKay