9th Annual Scotland County Highland Games

 

The Scotland County Highland Games (NC) was held on October 7, 2017. These games are held at John Blue House in Laurinburg, North Carolina.  Rain, Rain go away come again another day greeted the twenty clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Other participants included the SAMS (Scottish American Military Society), Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, Scottish Heritage USA, and St. Andrews Society of North Carolina.

The parade of tartans was held at eleven thirty after open ceremonies .Clan Wallace waited patiently in the light misty rain

The entertainment included Colin Grant Adams, and Belles on Strings.  Thirty nine pipe bands competed.  The Games included heavy athletics,  Border Collies, and Children events.

Special thanks to Frank Randall and all of the rest of the folks that came by the Wallace tent to make the day so special. You are the reason we are here in the rain.

 

Courtesy of Marcia Harper

17th Annual St. Louis Scottish Games

The St. Louis Scottish Games (MO) was held on September 29, 30 2017.  Sunny skies and 70 degree weather, greeted the twenty three clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.   Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

These games are held at the Spirit of St. Louis Airpark in Chesterfield, Missouri.  Russ did the calling of the Clans and stirred up the Scots with his call for FREEDOM!!!!!!

Our annual board of Directors meeting was held on Friday. The Wallace tent was a blaze of Tartan from all of the clansmen that were in attendance; Darrell Wallace from Washington State, Jim Wallace and Bill Wallace from Maryland, Elmer Inman from Utah, Todd and CJ Wallace from Ohio, Larry Slight from Florida and Randy Dedrickson from South Carolina. Many thanks for all of the help and support manning the tent. Dick and Jean Wallace were also at the meeting, but were unable to attend the Games.

The parade of tartans was held at eleven thirty before opening ceremonies.

The entertainment included Cleghorn, Plaid to the bone, John Taylor, Jill Chambless, Scooter Muse, The Wee Heavies, Duddy Breeks, and Peat Fire Flame along with five pipe bands that are in the Piping Competition and Drum Major competition.  The Games included heavy athletics, World Bird Sanctuary, Black Knights swordplay demonstrations, Scottish Country Highland Dancing and Irish Dancing, Border Collies competition, and Children events.

Russ and I would like to thank all the folks that came out and enjoyed the day with us.

 

Courtesy of Marcia Harper

38th Annual Scotfest Tulsa Oklahoma

Clan president Russ Harper with new annual member Arjun Badi

The 38Th annual Scotfest (OK) was held on September 16th, 17th 2017 in Tulsa Oklahoma. Hot and 20 mile an hour wind greeted the twenty clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them. Also at the games are Scottish club of Tulsa and United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma. Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

These games are held at River West Festival Park, Tulsa Oklahoma.

Saturday at noon was the Parade of Tartans. After the parade of tartans, we were recognized as having the best clan tent. Sir James Graham, eighth Duke of Montrose and chief of Clan Graham stopped by the tent to congratulate us on winning best clan tent.

The games hosted Highland dancing competition, heavy athletics, wee bairns area, and a rugby game.

Our special thanks to our newest annual member, 12 year old Arjun Badi from Planto Texas. Thanks to all that came out and enjoy the weekend with us. Without YOU there is no Clan Wallace. Can’t wait to see you all next year!

 

Contributed by Marcia Harper

26th Annual Columbus Scottish Festival

Russ Harper with Best of Clan award

The Columbus Scottish Festival (IN) was held on September 9th and 10th, 2017.  Cool and windy start on Saturday to greet the twenty-three clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

These games are held at Bartholomew County Fairgrounds in Columbus, Indiana.

Sunday at noon was the Parade of Tartans, where we were recognized for having the Best Clan tent at the games.

The games hosted Highland dancing competition, heavy athletics for men and women, wee bairns area, Pipe and Drum competition, car show and sheep herding. The entertainment for the weekend was The Sprigs, Dublin O’Shea, and the Mudmen.

Our thanks to all that came out and enjoy the weekend with us. Without YOU there is no Clan Wallace. Can’t wait to see you all next year!

 

Contributed By Marcia Harper

16th Annual Wisconsin Highland Games

Russ Harper with Best of Clan award

The Wisconsin Highland Games (WI) was held on September 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017.  Cool and windy start on Saturday to greet the twenty clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Also at the games are Council of Scottish Clans and Associations and Scottish Culture, SAMS, Robert Burns Club of Milwaukee and St. Andrews Society of Milwaukee. Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

These games are held at Waukesha Expo Center, Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Friday night Fish fry and calling of the clans started the weekend festivities off with a great start. David Wallace joined Russ at the calling of the clan.

Saturday at noon was the Parade of Tartans. We were joined by David Wallace as we marched around the parade field. We were recognized as Best of Clan in the parade of tartans.

The games hosted Highland and Irish dancing competition, heavy athletics, wee bairns area, Pipe and Drum competition, sheep and duck herding, Queens Court, Archery competition, Haggis Hurl, and Battle Axe and Knife throwing.

Our thanks to all that came out and enjoy the weekend with us. Without YOU there is no Clan Wallace. Can’t wait to see you all next year!

 

Contributed by Marcia Harper

168th Annual Detroit Highland Games

The Detroit Highland Games (MI) was held on August 5, 2017.  Cool and windy start on Saturday to greet the twenty nine clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Also at the games are Council of Scottish Clans and Associations and Scottish Culture, Grant’s Company and St. Andrews Society of Detroit. Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

These games are held at Greenmead Historical Park Livonia, Michigan.  Greenmead is a historical farm site that was purchased by the city of Livonia to preserve the legacy of Michigan’s agricultural heritage.

At eleven o’clock was the blessing of the tartan. Followed by the parade of tartan. We were joined by Nancy Wallace and Jim Wagner as we marched around the parade field.

We were delighted to meet two retired nurses, Mary Wallace and Julie Tenbusch who own Wallace Scones. These ladies have the best scones I have ever tasted. If you are interested in trying these delicious scones, you can contact them at wallacescones@hotmail.com.  You won’t be disappointed.

The games hosted a tug o’ war, Highland dancing competition, heavy athletics, wee bairns area, whisky tasting, Highland Tea, and shortbread contest.

Our thanks to all that came out and enjoy the weekend with us. Without YOU there is no Clan Wallace. Can’t wait to see you all next year!

 

Courtesy of Marcia Harper

62nd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (NC) was held on July 6,7,8,9, 2017.  Rainy Friday to start off the weekend but the sun did come out to greet the eighty clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Also at the games are Scottish Tartan Museum, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations and Scottish Culture and St. Andrews Society of Upper South Carolina and the Society of William Wallace.  Russ and Marcia Harper along with Larry and Judy Slight hosted the Clan Wallace tents.

These games are held at MacRae meadow on Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina.   Thursday night Russ did the calling of, the Clan.  Wallaces cheered as he yelled FREEDOM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of Wallaces attended this weekend actives, Wes and Raine Wallace and son Adam Wallace and family, William Wallace, Mark Clifford, John and Sally Wallace, Randy Dedrickson, Mary Wallace, Judy Wallace Moore, Larry and Judy Slight, Bill and Betsy Wallace, Terry and Kelly Wallace alone with many more.

We had a special guest at the Games this year, Actor Cesar Domboy currently of “Outlander” fame, as the adult Fergus.

 The 2017 Bear Run, part of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, started in Linville Thursday night and concluded at the top of Grandfather Mountain. Over 800 runners started the race and ranged in age from 7 to 77.

For the 3rd year at Grandfather Mountain, we had women athletes competing in the games. Amy Jenkins proudly wears the Wallace green when she competes. Go Amy!!!!

Our thanks to all that came out and enjoy the weekend with us. Without YOU there is no Clan Wallace. Can’t wait to see you all next year!

 

Courtesy of Marcia Harper

San Diego Highland Games 2017

The air was filled with the sound of bagpipes at the 44th Annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans the weekend of June 24-25. Located in the quaint hills of Vista, California. One of the smaller events in southern California, it provides a friends and family venue that can’t be beat.

Scottish culture filled the park during the two day festival, which featured a variety of activities and entertainment for guests of all ages: Sheepdog trials, Highland dancing, Scottish vendors, cuisine and beverages, bagpipe and drumming competitions, clan heritage tents, and hands-on children’s activities.

The festival’s popular beer garden–recognized by San Diego Magazine as the Best Beer Garden in North County–was a gathering place for attendees to sample flavorful beer varieties, while mingling with friends old and new.

Convened by Greg Wallace (right) and Kevin Michaels (left).

Some highlights of the festival…

  • Over 10,000 visitors
  • Over forty clan booths.
  • Athletic competition managed by the Scottish American Athletic Association, SAAA, with two world record attempts.
  • Popular Celtic bands Wicked Tinkers, Highland Way, and Banshee in the Kitchen performed on two festival stages.
  • United States Scottish Fiddle Champion, Mari Black.
  • United State Western Highland Dance Champion, Beret Dernbach.
  • Two 1-day USBCHA sanctioned Sheepdog Trials — Open & Nursery.
  • Over 50 vendors.

The Clan Wallace Booth

The booth was visited by Wallace families from as far as Omaha, Nebraska and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Twelve signed the registry with two visitors interested in becoming involved with the Clan Wallace Society.

 

 

Contributed by Greg Wallace

Scottish Fest 2017 Orange County Fair

Slated as the largest clan gathering in Southern California, Scottish Fest is an event that should not be missed. With two beautiful SoCal days, Scottish Fest 2017 was not left wanting.

Salute to Veterans services were held on both Saturday and Sunday. A tribute to those who serve and remembrance of those who are no longer with us. Performances from the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, and Los Angeles Fifes and Drum were the highpoints the services.

Convened by Greg Wallace (right), Kevin Michaels (left) and Elaine Ries

Some highlights of the festival…

  • Approximately 15,000 visitors
  • Over sixty clan booths.
  • Eighteen Pipe Bands competed in eight categories.
  • Athletic competition managed by the Scottish American Athletic Association, SAAA.
  • Musical entertainment by Bad Haggis featuring Eric Rigler, Highland Way, The Ploughboys, and the Wicked Tinkers.
  • Shows by the Royal Scottish Country Dances, and Christopher Yates.
  • Vintage British Car show.
  • Over 100 vendors in four different vendor areas.

Clan Wallace Booth

The booth was located at the main event entrance which provided easy access for over 100 visitors. Sixteen signed the registry with four visitors interested in becoming involved with the Clan Wallace Society.  This year the Wallace booth hosted the late Edward Grant Ries’ Templars sword which was returned to the Knights Templar on Sunday morning.  A special thanks to Pat and Nikki Schuller who drove all the way from Phoenix, AZ to help.

 

Location

Orange County Fair and Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Sponsor
UNITED SCOTTISH SOCIETY
www.unitedscottishsociety.com
PO Box 2237
Palos Verdes, CA. 90274

 

Courtesy of Greg Wallace

12th Annual Greater Greenville Scottish Games

The Greater Greenville Scottish Games (SC) was held on May 27, 2017.  Bright sunny skies and 80 degree weather, greeted the forty two clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Other participants included the SAMS (Scottish American Military Society) , Council of Scottish Clans and Societies and Scottish Culture and St. Andrews Society of Upper South Carolina.  Russ and Marcia Harper along with Megan Fischer hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

Megan Fischer along with all of the other Vets being honored for their Service
One of 4 paratroopers that landed in the middle of the field

This years’ game had the added theme of a tribute to our Military Heroes.  One of the highlights of the tribute was the Royal Highland Fusiliers just recently returned from Afghanistan.  The Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret’s own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment) was a regular Scottish Division, and abbreviated as ‘The RHF’.  The regiment was formed on January 20, 1959 by the then amalgamation of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, with Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment).  The other highlight was having The US Army Special forces paratroopers land in the center of the field with flags.  The 2d Marine Division Band was also part of the Tribute to our Military Heroes.

The parade of tartans was held at nine before opening ceremonies. Special guest was Hon. Alexander Leslie the earl of Rothes clan chief of Leslie.

 The entertainment included the Celtic bands, Albannach, Lissakole, and Cleghorn along with eleven pipe bands that are in the Piping Competition and Drum Major competition.  The Games included heavy athletics, and British Car Show, Scottish Country Highland Dancing and Irish Dancing, EMAA (European Medieval Arts of Arms), Border Collies competition, and Children events.

Special thanks to Megan Fischer, Frank Randall, Susanne Dykes and Laura Carr and to all that came and hung out at the Wallace Tent.  We can’t do this without you.

 

Courtesy of Marcia Harper