Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums

Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ Silent Auction has become a fun and thoughtful tradition over the past three years. Each year, non-profit organizations across Iowa are invited to decorate a tree for display at the market.

MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums are first year participants in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ Silent Auction. They have chosen a “military and first responders” theme to represent their organization.

“The band was founded by Thomas S Coulson, a distinguished piper, who served during World War II, as a pipe major with the Essex Scottish 4th Brigade of Canada and as a piper in the Seaforth Highlanders,” explains Dawn Baldwin, the organization’s representative.

“He moved to Des Moines during the 1980s and founded the Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums at that time.  We are a paramilitary pipe and drum band and our uniforms are steeped in traditional attire worn both on Scottish and American soil.  Our tartan is Ancient Mackenzie.”

The MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums represent the Greater Des Moines, Iowa metro area. Their primary mission is to support Active and Reserve Military Units, Law Enforcement Agencies and Fire Departments and regularly perform at the events that support these agencies.

Silent Auction bidding will take place during Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30^th– December 2^nd.

For more information on the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums, visit their website.