Tucson Gem Show in a Kilt

[Norm]

The Tucson Gem & Mineral show is the biggest show of its kind on earth. Agates, geodes, emeralds, aquamarines, HUGE crystals and a jillion other marvels of the Lord's creation are on display. My wife and I have made the 4 hour drive to check it out many times. When we went this last weekend I wore my khaki utility kilt (UT Kilts). The weather there was warm, near 80 degrees and sunny. It was an experiment to see what it is like to wear a kilt to an event like that. The experiment was a resounding success! Unlike trousers, I did not have to sit on my wallet whilst driving. It was very comfortable while walking around the many booths and rooms in the warm weather.

No one seemed to really notice much, no stares or snyde remarks. One Latino guy liked how it looks and we talked some about utility kilts and such. Any comments I got were positive. To my surprise, I saw two other guys there wearing utility kilts as well. We talked for a short spell, and it was nice to know I was not the only one in Tucson wearing a kilt. A friend (John, pictured below) and his wife came with us, and neither of them had any problem with walking around with a guy in a kilt.

Finding it a lot easier than the first time to go about in a kilt, whether the rock show, gas station, McDonald's or Carl's Junior. Sometimes I forgot I was wearing it.

UT Kilts have lots of pockets and I found a place for everything, even my reading glasses and cell phone. The front apron drops down between my legs when I sit all by itself, so I don't have to constantly worry about modesty. Thinking about ordering a camo kilt from them.

One thing I had to learn real fast is how to use the "little boy's room" whilst kilted. Mode 1 was no problem, but Mode 2, well... was not so easy, but made it work.

If you like rocks, minerals, fossils, gems, agates and the like, the Tucson show is like a city-sized candy store for a little kid. I heard the Quartzite, AZ show is good also, but too far away for us to drive.

Thinking about checking out the Highland Games in Phoenix in March. Never been to one of those. Not sure what to expect. After watching Duck Dynasty and Wee Geordie (movie), I got an idea. Lots of throwing stuff. Maybe a kilt vendor will be there? We'll see...

Oh, yes... photos. Attached are several. Hope they turn out...

Norm

[Hawk]

Well done Norm, well done.......
I lived down there for seven years and have lots of places I'd go if I visited again....

Hawk

[Richrail]

Well done, the more you wear it and get out and about the easier it gets. I meet my wife last night at a local pizza joint, after she had finished Refereeing a H.S. wrestling tournament. She was having pizza with the other ref's and the pizza joint is quite the college hangout. Right before we were leaving a group of college guys had come in, one fellow mentioned that he really liked the kilt. He told me he would like to find out if he has any Scottish heritage so he could wear a kilt. I had one of Rocky's business cards with me so I gave it to him and told him he didn't need to be Scottish to wear a kilt. He took the card and seemed very intrigued about the prospect of getting a kilt.

[GrainReaper]

You are going to love the Highland games! It's a great time!!

[Dughlas mor]

Norm, that is just awesome! Thanks for those pics, I collected mineral specimens for a number of years, though nothing like that, and I never did make it to Tucson. Always heard it was a mind blower. You look perfectly dressed for the event and the weather, nice job.

[uncle remus]

I live in tucson and my wife and I usually go to the gem show. we enjoy it very much but were unable to go this year.

[Bill aka Mole]

As has been stated before*: #1 is easy but #2 is time to remove the sporran and kilt.

* video on how to sit in a kilt.

[Tartan Tess]

I have always wanted to go to that show. And 80 degrees.....

[Norm]

The Tucson gem show is HUGE. It covers multiple areas of the city, many motels with a different theme and vendor in each room and between the rooms. It would take a week to do it justice.

I like the UT Kilt I wore to the gem show (see photos above) that I ordered another one from UT Kilts in olive green. It came last week and fits like a glove. It was nice outside (but windy) last Saturday, so I put it on and went outside to clean up the front yard. Despite the wind, the snaps on this kilt were enough to keep the wind from making the kilt look like a blown umbrella. Everything stayed pretty much in place.

Still haven't seen anyone in this area wearing a kilt....

There are going to be Highland games in Phoenix this March, I think the 21st. I just might go and check it out for my birthday. Never been to a highland game before. Been to a number of pow-wows and even danced in one when they invited all to come in to do so. That was fun.

Thanks again for your responses!

Norm

[mikepalmer]

Norm I ditto much of what you have posted on this thread. I have a UT delux kilt and most times I get very positive comments too. I am new to kilt wearing and I am glad I have become weekend wearer. Just last night I had to meet contractors at work installing carpet and was wearing a Stumptown kilt and everything was thumbs up! Rarely do guys ever get a thumbs up from another guy especially the construction crowed. This summer I will embrace the kilt more. It is literally Cool and comfortable.