Hoffman Estates pulls out stops for Tartan
On Saturday, Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod will sport his family kilt in his role as host of the village's Tartan Day Parade.
Still, the 60-unit parade, now in its second year, goes far beyond showcasing McLeod's proud Scottish heritage, and presents bands and performers from many different countries.
From traditional bagpipe units and drum and bugle corps, to a Mexican folklorico dance troupe and an Indian school of dance, the parade and international events that follow will be filled with vibrant displays of culture.
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Prairie Stone Parkway in the village's entertainment district located at Route 59 and I-90. It leads up to the Sears Centre, where the Celebration of Nations - Unity Day - takes place from noon to 4 p.m. featuring food, fun and entertainment.
Accompanying Unity Day - which dates back 10 years in Hoffman Estates - will be the International Beer Festival, taking place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. For $12, patrons will receive flights of beer from a selection of over 70 international lagers.
The day's activities all lead up to the Heartland International Tattoo Music and Dance Festival, at 7 p.m. in the Sears Centre Arena. The colorful military pageant features brass bands, bagpipes, drum and bugle corps, dancers, singers, and specialty acts.
It is the only ticketed event of the day, with admission ranging from $25-$45, based on seat level in the arena.
"Tartan Day (April 6) was declared by a special act of Congress, to recognize the contributions of Scottish Americans," McLeod says, "but we've expanded our celebration. We've got a lot of diversity here in Hoffman Estates, and we want to celebrate the heritage of everyone."
One of their most prominent bands - playing in both the parade and the international tattoo - comes all the way from Holland.
The Maastrichtse Verkenners Band or MVD show band from the Dutch province of Limburg, last performed in this country in 2008 for NATO's Parade of Nations parade.
Dressed in their traditional costume of short pants, shirts with neckerchiefs, and a campaign hat; they perform as many as 20 times each year throughout Europe.
"We're thrilled to have them," says Linda Scheck, Hoffman Estates' tourism coordinator who planned the parade. "We worked with the Dutch Consulate's office in the city to get them."
Just this week, Scheck got word that the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band, based in Twentynine Palms, Calif., got clearance to make the trip.
Originally formed as a drum and bugle corps, the band continues the tradition of military music, including whistling fifes and rolling drums reminiscent of the first Marine Musicians of 1775.
McLeod and his family, known in the parade as "Clan McLeod" will march in front of units from the Illinois St. Andrew Society and the Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers.
Local entries include the state champion Conant High School cheerleaders as well as the Chicago Slaughter professional indoor football team.
The parade also will have the feel of the Macy's Day Parade in New York, with the addition of giant balloons, anchored by professional handlers along with area Boy Scouts, in honor of their 100th anniversary of Scouting.
Tartan Day 2010 in Hoffman EstatesTartan Day Parade: Steps off 10 a.m. Saturday on Prairie Stone Parkway in the village's entertainment district, Route 59 and I-90. Ends at the Sears Centre.Unity Day, International Beer Festival: Noon-4 p.m. at Sears Centre, with food, entertainment, more. No admission charge.Heartland International Tattoo Music and Dance Festival: 7 p.m. in Sears Centre Arena; a colorful military pageant with brass bands, bagpipes, drum and bugle corps, dancers, singers and specialty acts. Tickets: $25-$45.Details: hoffmanestates.org.False20001330Scenes from the 2009 Tartan Day parade. False