The Redding Bagpipe Competition was held over March 2nd and 3rd at the Red Lion Hilltop Inn in Redding, CA. Despite inclement weather, over 40 competitors vied for prizes. That is a large number of pipers for a competition in California. When all the score sheets were reviewed and the judges polled, the winner of The Fred Rutledge Memorial Piper of the Day Quaich was Aims McGuinness from Santa Cruz. Aims acquitted himself very well in competition by winning the Grade 4 Aggregate award, with the highest points earned in his grade. Since the “Piper of the Day” award isn’t necessarily awarded just on competitive success, Aims also impressed the judges as an all-around competitor. This event was Aims’ first competitive outing since returning to piping after over 30 years! He learned piping in Colorado but hasn’t played much as an adult. He is a professor of History at University of California Santa Cruz – something Fred would truly appreciate. I am absolutely sure Fred would be pleased with this true gentleman earning the award in his name. As a side note, I was honored to play the tune I composed for Fred as part of the event’s opening ceremony. Fred was a big supporter of this event and deserves continued recognition. Thanks once again to Royal Canadian Legion Post #25 for sponsoring this perpetual trophy! A “quaich” is a traditional Scottish drinking vessel representing friendship and is often used as an award in piping competitions.

 – Charles Martin

Below are some pictures related to the event.