Aloha to the Annapolis Irish Festival - Albannach

The Anne Arundel Fair Grounds welcomed the Annapolis Irish Festival (link):

Since the Inaugural Festival in 2011, the AIF has become an Annapolis tradition, thanks to the support of the business community and the people who share our passion for the Emerald Isle and the magical Celtic traditions and music we hold so dear.

We specifically attended the fest to see Albannach.  From their website (link),

Albannach is Scots-Gaelic for "Scottish" or "Scotsman". That's exactly what we are. Albannach are all born and bred in Scotland and our purpose in life is to share our intriguing culture, history and heritage with you by means of our music.

Albannach are not just another Scottish 'Pipes & Drums' band, indeed we bring a new and exciting form of music to your living room. A championship winning piper, an extremely talented main drummer, bass drummers and bodhran musician bring you a brand new approach to percussion and Celtic music. Our style of music is exciting, energetic and enchanting and we promise to leave you begging for more.

Yes, the music is exciting, energetic, and enchanting.

Albannach left the audience begging for more.

I was ready to follow the bagpipes into battle ... 

... the drums are equally compelling!

Jamesie creates such a frenzy among the crowd!

Jacquie treated us to soulful vocals about Alba - Scotland.

After their show, Albannach met with their fans of all ages! Here is Donnie ...

... Jacquie and Colin!

I hope to see Albannach again at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair in early October (link).

Have you attended a Celtic Festival? 

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Perhaps Jamesie could have been cast as Jamie Fraser in OUTLANDER.

Aloha to the University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMCB)

My oldest son is a senior and it's time to visit college campuses.   Last week we visited University of Maryland - Baltimore County, aka UMBC, at this link.  It is a midsize campus of @13,000 students with a reputation as an Honors University.

Its mascot is the True Grit, a Golden Retriever.  True Grit was the faithful pet of the first chancellor.

The students rub True Grit's nose for good luck!

The school attracts many international students, whose countries' flags hang in the student center.

Likewise, UMBC students also study abroad ...

... taking True Grit's spirit with them! 

UMBC has several collegiate teams ... while football is played at neighboring University of Maryland - College Park.  Go Terrapins!

Still, UMBC has a champion chess team!

After our tour, we visited Taste of Aloha (link), offering authentic Hawaiian food. 

My son thought the proximity of UMBC to Taste of Aloha might sway his decision!  We will be visiting other campuses in Maryland and even our home state of Florida in the coming weeks.

Any advice on searching for colleges?  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Aloha to the Laurel Independence Day Parade - A Surprise Ending ....

My son's scout troop walked along the American Legion float in the Laurel Independence Day Parade (link).   The American Legion float finished early, giving us the opportunity to see those who followed us.  Above is McGruff the Crime Dog (link) ... some children mistaked him for Scooby Doo. 

How awesome it is to see the library participate in the parade! 

The local U Storage was decked out with patriotic symbols ...

... while Lady Liberty (from Liberty Tax) became tired.   She is over 100 years old!

The Lady Liberty from the American Legion pulled out her water gun ...

... while a fireman stopped his truck, pulled out his hose, and drenched the kids.  Lady Liberty laughed!

Happy Fireman Friday!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Laurel Independence Day Parade - Fire Trucks!

What's a parade without a firetruck?  Maryland is home to many volunteer fire companies, including Branchville (above) ...

... and Burtonsville.

Here's the Dirty Duece ...

... it looks a little like the front of the VW Camper!

Have you riden on a fire truck ... or slide down the firehouse pole?  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Laurel Independence Day Parade - Community Organizations

The Laurel Police Department led the parade with their honor guard.

The Calverton Baton and Pom Corps reminded me of my brief experience as a baton twirler ... and I marched in a parade, too!

The Curiosity Cube is sponsored by the Prince George's County Library System ...

... promoting literacy to its residents.

 I loved the art work on the Curiosity Cube!  

The American Heritage Girls' motto is Faith, Service, and Fun.

The Charm City Roller Girls also have fun!

Ashley Gibbs is the 2014 Ms. Maryland Modern Woman.

The Lakeside Lutheran High School traveled from Lake Hill, Wisconsin to entertain the crowd. Can you identify the red flag to the right?  Hint:  It is our norther neighbor!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

The police keep order on Segways ...

Aloha to the Laurel Independence Day Parade - American Legion

 

The American Legion Post 60 (link) invited my son's scout troop to participate on their float during the Laurel Independence Day Parade.

Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam are Legion members ...

... and the American Legion paid tribute to Laurel's hometown hero, Marine Lance Corporal Eugene Mills:

On June 22, 2012, Lance Corporal Eugene C. Mills, III (USMC), was assigned 1st Battalion, 8th Marines Bravo Company, 2nd Marines Division, was killed in action by enemy small fire while conducting combat operations in Sagin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. LCpl Mills loved his country as much as he loved his family. His life dream was to protect them both, as a United States Marine, at any cost. LCpl Mills, III was the beloved son of Eugene C. Mills, Jr. and Theresa Stea Mills; stepson of Melissa Mills; dear brother of Jacob Mills, Hunter Sterling, Katie Andrews, Jennifer Sterling and Sarah McCormick; loving grandson of the late Henry G. "Pap" and Virginia "Mamaw" Ostman and Peter "Bepop" and Jeannette "Nana" Stea. LCpl Mills, III is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and of course many close friends. 

Come back this week for more pictures from the parade!   

What is the last parade you attended?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Lady Liberty faced competition from the Liberty Tax staff.  

Aloha to Philadelphia - Ben Franklin, Liberty Bell and Hershey Park

Last week, my husband treated my teens to a historical visit to Philadelphia.  Gotta love the book store!

They visited the Ben Franklin house - an appropriate quote from Franklin for this weekend! 

  

No trip to Philadelphia is complete without the Liberty Bell!

They drove two hours west for Hershey Park! 

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City