FESTIVAL | Pipers in the park

Maybe you’ve heard the St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois Pipes and Drums. If you thought they were amazing, listen to several regional bag pipes and drum groups at noon and 5:30 p.m. at the 19th Annual Springfield Highland Games and Celtic Festival Saturday, May 17. The gathering celebrates the Irish and Scots but you can be of any heritage to enjoy the convivial atmosphere. What’s on tap besides beer and whiskey? Vendors with Celtic wares and traditional Celtic food, great music all day, including the Celtic band Exorna, phenomenal Irish and Scots dancers, animals, a children’s area with miniature golf, storytelling, ancient athletic game competitions and more. It all kicks off Friday, May 16, from 6-10 p.m. with a free evening of music by the Whiskey Picts.