This event is the largest Scottish Festival and Games in Texas and the
Southwest. It began on Friday evening with the Howdy BBQ followed
immediately with the “Calling of the Clans” and the Opening Ceremony, which
took place at dusk on the football field. This was changed a couple of years
ago to avoid holding the Opening Ceremony at mid-day on Saturday when the
weather is usually very hot….this year was no exception, in fact worse when
the temperature on Saturday and Sunday felt like 106 degrees, according to
the weatherman. Even so, we had good attendance on Saturday but down
somewhat on Sunday. Entertainment was excellent as usual with many of the
well known Scottish/Celtic entertainers and, of course, fierce
competitions.
The Clan
MacLeod tent was manned by Doug Beaton, RVP of the South Central Region, and
Gloria McLeod, Coordinator. The MacLeods are known for their hospitality so
the tent was full of visitors all day each day. It is a time when members
come to visit renew their memberships each year and this year was no
exception with renewals from Don Clark, David Cooper, Al Lewis, Ken Lewis,
Annette McClure, Kathy & Jimmy McLeod, Larry Sears and Bob MacLeod, old
friends all.
It was
with profound sorrow that we learned of the death of our good friend Royce
Perry who has been the Clan and Society Chairman of the North Texas Irish
Festival and the Texas Scottish Festival & Games for many years. He died on
April 1, 2010 shortly after the NTIF and while making final plans for the
TSF. He will be sorely missed.
As winner
of the Best Clan Tent last year, the MacLeods had the honor of selecting the
Best Clan Tent this year. Clan Gordon’s tent was selected and Doug Beaton
presented the trophy to Brian McLaurin and wife, Marcia Gordon McLaurin, of
the House of Gordon.
A good
time was had by all and we can be glad no one suffered a heat stroke.
