Arkansas Scottish Festival
Batesville, Arkansas
The 31st Arkansas Scottish Games and Festival
were held on the campus of Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, on
April 23-25, 2010. The Clan MacLeod tent was manned by Tim Simpson,
Arkansas Commissioner, his wife, Sarah, and Gloria McLeod, Houston.
This is always a festive occasion with band competition first
and foremost. The MacCrimmon Quaich was awarded to Elliot Smith
and he also received the Agnes McLeod Stephens Scholarship that was
established by Jack and Sue Stephens in honor of Jack Stephens'
mother. The Jack and Sue Stephens Scholarship was awarded to
Stephen Semeels. Both these scholarships were established through
the Dunvegan Foundation by Jack and Sue Stephens several years ago
and these students are very appreciative of them. Our
congratulations to these young students who work very hard to earn
these awards. Clan MacLeod received the "Best Attire Award" thanks
to Tim and Sarah Simpson who have received this award for the second
time.
We welcome new member Martha McWilliams and the renewal of
memberships from Jason Trantham, Jim Peckham and Tim Simpson.
The severe weather that devastated Mississippi on the weekend
came through Batesville on Friday night and Saturday. Fortunately
we did not have the tornado, just heavy rain which made for a messy
ground and some blown down tents. But the program went on as
planned with a few changes in the location of the events.
Surprisingly, the attendance was very good. Those Arkansans are not
discouraged by a little rain. We appreciate Jimmy Bell, Band
Director, and all the others who work so hard to make this a
successful event each year.
