The eighth Annual Alameda Hogmabay Pipe-athon hit Alameda on New Year’s Eve, and blew away the weekend storm, playing Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes in 17 bars around the Island. The event’s goal was to raise funds for American Cancer Society (ACS). This year the event raised more than $4,000.

“The Pipe-athon has become established as an Alameda NYE tradition,” said piper Andy MacKay. “It’s great to see so many people out in the bars again after the last couple of years.”

MacKay was accompanied on the Island tour by Team Pipe-athon Blues Brothers Jake (Pep Montes) and Elwood (Jim Good), and Sister Mary (Tony Redmond), who collected donations from willing donors. The team was rounded out by Pipemobile driver Caimin MacKay and cameraman Stevie Basile, recording the event for posterity.

The group is grateful they had the opportunity to raise money for ACS.

“Thanks to everyone who contributed to the effort,” said MacKay. “[It] was for a worthy cause and had a great time on the night. We even ended up on Facetime serenading one Alameda bar owner on holiday in Greece, accompanied by his mum on the fiddle!”

Look out for the event next NYE. The Pipe-athon ACS page is still open for donations at: www.hogmabay.org.

Contact Sun staff at editor@alamedasun.com.