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Dunedin highlights community events: Celtic festival donations, Highland Games dates and Operation Twinkle winners
Summary
City commission presentations highlighted community events: Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation announced donor support ($5,500 each to three local bands) and Highland Games dates (April 10 kickoff, April 11 main event); Trevor Davis presented Operation Twinkle lamppost contest winners from 39 participants.
The commission opened Jan. 8 with community presentations highlighting cultural events and volunteer traditions in Dunedin.
Eric McNeal, president of the Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation, reported that the foundation and its donors supported local pipe‑band programs and related instruction and scholarship efforts. He told commissioners the board of the foundation made donations of $5,500 to each of three band programs (middle school, high school and the city pipe band) and said the foundation is investing just over $100,000 in marketing for 2026 events across North America.
McNeal also announced the Dunedin Highland Games and Festival will take place Friday evening, April 10, with the main festival on Saturday, April 11; he named Mark Brandmeier as honorary chieftain for this year's event.
Trevor Davis from Economic Development & Housing presented the results of Operation Twinkle, a long‑running lamppost decorating contest. He said 39 poles or teams participated and introduced winners across multiple categories (business, youth group, church, restaurant, civic organization), including a new "holiday spirit" award presented to the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. The overall 2025 trophy went to Windglasses; winners will be photographed and trophies displayed at the Dunedin Community Sailing Center (the Pram Shed).
Commissioners praised organizers and volunteers, encouraged continued participation from nonprofits and businesses and invited residents to upcoming kickoff events such as the Jan. 17 MLK Unity breakfast and parade.
