Scott Wallace

168th Annual Detroit Highland Games

Posted on by Scott Wallace

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

Scott Wallace

62nd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Posted on by Scott Wallace

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

Scott Wallace

San Diego Highland Games 2017

Posted on by Scott Wallace

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

Scott Wallace

Scottish Fest 2017 Orange County Fair

Posted on by Scott Wallace

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

Scott Wallace

12th Annual Greater Greenville Scottish Games

Posted on by Scott Wallace

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

 

Scott Wallace

2017 Smokey Mountain Highland Games

Posted on by Scott Wallace

The Smokey Mountain Highland Games (TN) was held on May 20-21, 2017.  These games are held at the campus of Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee.   Sunny skies and 95 degree weather for Saturday and light rain all day on Sunday. Forty two clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Russ and Marcia Harper along with Aaron Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

The entertainment included the Colin Grant Adams, Raven and Red, Ed Miller Trio, Highland Reign, The Celtic Martins, Singing Pilgrims, Good Thymes Ceilidh Band, The Celtic Martins.  The Games included heavy athletics, kilted run, Children’s Highland games competition, and Border Collie Demonstration.  The vendors at the games included, Near and Far, The Gaelic Shop, The Celtic Knot, The Heelan Hound, Highland Kilt Company, the Scots Corner.

Three Best tent awards were handed out, Clan Kincaid won first place, Clan Wallace won second, Clan MacIntosh won third. Congratulation to all the wins.

Thanks to all that came out and enjoyed the weekend with us.

Courtesy of Marcia Harper

Scott Wallace

17th Annual Bethabara Highland Games

Posted on by Scott Wallace

The Bethabara Highland Games (NC) was held on May 13, 2017.  Overcast skies and 75 degree was the weather of the day.   There were nineteen clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

These games are held at Historic Bethabara Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  The Highland Games at Historic Bethabara Park are held to pay respect to the heritage of the early Scots and Scots-Irish pioneers who helped and guided the Moravians in their settlement of the Wachovia tract.  This game is free and open for the enjoyment of the public.  Russ and I marched in the parade of Tartan.

Russ even made it into our local paper “Journalnow” for sharing the Wallace sword and history of our clan.

The entertainment included the Jamestown Pipes and Drum and North Carolina State Pipeband.  The Games included heavy athletics, Children’s Highland games competition, Children’s Colonial Games and storytelling, Border Collie Demonstration.  The vendors at the games included Lady Susan’s Shortbread, Near and Far Scottish, Peter Blum, Tinsmith, Renaissance Iron, Rose Crag History of Family Names, Scottish Leather, Kelpie Pottery, Carolina Celt, Lumpy’s Ice Cream, Celtic Traditions, Cameron British Food.

Thanks to Megan Fischer, council member and Granddaughter for all the help she gave us in the tent.   Thanks to all that came out and enjoyed the day with us.

 

Photos and article Courtesy of Marcia Harper

Scott Wallace

24th Annual Rural Hill Loch Norman Scottish Festival

Posted on by Scott Wallace
Clan President Russ Harper and Amy Jenkins

The Rural Hill Loch Norman Scottish Festival (NC) was held on April 8-9, 2017.  Spring has sprung, pollen fills the air, cold mornings and clear skies greeted the sixty 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, Scottish Culture and St. Andrews Society of North Carolina, and the Scottish Society of Wilmington, North Carolina.  Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.  Frank Randall, Jean and Jeffrey Reece joined us for the Saturday.  Sunday we were joined by Craig and Therese Wallace.   Council member Amy Jenkins competed all weekend in the Women’s athletics. Amy will be competing in the Masters in Iceland this year.

These games are held at Rural Hill Farms in Huntersville, North Carolina.  Rural Hill, the homestead of Revolutionary War patriots Major John and Violet Wilson Davidson is located in the Catawba River Valley in northwest Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The Davidson family is representative of the thousands of Scots and Scots-Irish who contributed to the growth of the Carolinas and put a unique cultural stamp on the American South.

The entertainment included, Ed Miller, SYR, Scooter Muse, Father Son and Friends, and John Taylor.   Eleven pipe bands took the field in piping completion.  The Games included heavy athletics, Border Collies, Highland Wrestling, Historical Folk Life Encampment, Scottish Dancing and Children events.

Saturday events included a Flag Retirement Ceremony which SAMS (Scottish American Military Society) performed.

Russ and I would like to thank all that came out and enjoy the weekend with us.  We had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing you at other games.

 

Contributed by Marcia Harper

Scott Wallace

2nd Annual Myrtle Beach Highland Games

Posted on by Scott Wallace
Clan President Russ Harper with wife Marcia

The Inaugural Myrtle Beach Highland Games (SC) was held on March 25, 2017.  These games are held at Market Commons in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.   Overcast day created the twenty three clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

The entertainment included the St. Andrews Pipes and Drum, Myrtle Beach Regional Pipe and Drum, Cross Creek Pipe and Drum, and the Coastal Shields Pipe and Drum, SYR and Tuatha Dea.  The Games included heavy athletics, Children’s Highland games competition, and Border Collie Demonstration.  The vendors at the games included, Near and Far, Timeless Irish Treasures, The Gaelic Shop, Metals & Pieces, Collegiate Tartan, The Celtic Knot, The Heelan Hound.

Thanks to all that came out and enjoyed the day.

Contributed by Marcia Harper

Scott Wallace

23rd Annual Sarasota Highland Games

Posted on by Scott Wallace
Russ Harper Sarasota Highland Games 2017
Russ Harper, Clan Wallace President with 2nd Place Award at the 2017 Sarasota Highland Games

The Sarasota Highland Games (FL) was held on February 4, 2017. These games are held at Sarasota fair grounds in Sarasota, Florida. Sunshine was the weather of the day. There were twenty–two clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them. Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

The entertainment included the Sarasota Pipes and Drum Band, The City of Dunedin Pipe Band, North American Pipe Band, MacPhearson’s Rant, Brendan Nolan and Booby Vesey and Mike Hickmont. The Games included heavy athletics, British Car show, Border Collie Demonstration Highland dancing and the Irish Dancing. The vendors at the games included, Lumpy’s Ice Cream, Celtic Exchange, Cameron British Food, The house of Douglas bakery, Scottish Banner, Scots Corner, The Celtic Store, and County Argyle.

The Parade of Tartans was held at noon. At 2pm the top three best tent awards were presented, Clan Wallace was awarded second place, Clan Cameron came in first, Clan Henderson came in third.

Thanks to all that came out and enjoyed the day with us.

Courtesy of Marcia Harper