Clan tent suggestions needed

[Stan]

Hi every one, I'm wanting to see about putting together the materials and items needed to have a nice clan tent.

I'm here in the Tulsa Oklahoma area, am (to the best of my knowledge) only one of two members of clan Gregor in the area, and would like to see about putting together a nice clan Gregor tent together for our local (Tulsa) September Scotfest event. http://okscotfest.com/

I'm new to the game, and having only been to one or two clan tents (ever) I'm needing suggestions as what I will need to have a nice (and welcoming) clan tent, and any other suggestions that you all might have about what a good clan tent is, and what I will need to make it that way.

All comments appreciated.

[Rick Y]

Hi Stan,
Many of the games want a first time tent convener to show them something that says he/she is allowed to represent the clan so you might want to see about that but that is usually no problem as the clan is happy to have a responsible representative at the games.

It's nice to have a large piece of the clan tartan(s) and a map showing the primary locations of the clan. Books of tartans and surnames allow you to help people find the clan that is most closely related to their surname.

We have handouts of a quick clan history, a humorous handout (Wha's a Sassennach?), and, of course, applications to join the clan society. We also have a 18" by 21" embroidered clan crest that is displayed inside a protective frame. If you can get access to items relevant to your clan history then that is great to display but you will want to watch them to make sure they stay with you! Swords, lances, and such are popular with the kids from 5 to 90 but make sure any sharp blades are protected.

We like to have a jar filled with white and blue jellybeans of different sizes and people can guess the quantity. At end of day closest guesser without going over gets the candy. Ties are are compared for time of guess and earliest guesser wins.

We also have cold bottles of water and home-made scones but that is kept in the back, out of sight, and is offered only to those showing an interest in joining the clan society (I'm not made out of money so I'm NOT feeding everyone!! )

We fly the St Andrew flag and the USA flag and that adds some nice color to the tent. A big banner up high helps people to find you.

If you can't wear a clan kilt, you should have a t-shirt or polo shirt with the clan crest. Know your clan history, your chief's name and such, and perhaps some famous members of your clan, both historical and modern. Be friendly and greet people before they greet you.

Make friends with the tents beside you and be willing to watch their tent if they are solo so they can take necessary breaks and they will do the same for you.

I'm sure others will have more and probably better suggestions. Have fun.

[Stan]

All great suggestions, and thanks for the help....

[Chas]

Hi Stan,

As you know, because of Clan Gregor/Macgregor history, many clansmen changed their names to save their lives. Later, when it was safe, many did not change back. I think it would pay dividends to research a list of all possible name changes.

A sign saying -

"Is your name XXXX - You could be a MacGregor!"

will certainly bring responses.

My next thought is more practical. You will probably be stuck in your tent all day talking. Have a supply of throat soothing lozenges close to hand. You probably won't have time for a meal, so make lots of bite sized snacks to keep you refuelled. Likewise, hydration - vitally important.

Business cards - print your own or get them printed. Mine are one sided and have the XMarks url as well as my email address.

Take pictures - 1,000s of pictures! Digital cameras are cheap now-a-days. So are memory cards. Fresh batteries, plus spares. Give the camera to a young teen and tell him/her to record everything on the day (starting and ending at home), especially everybody who visits your tent (extra pics of all those wearing tartan). A record of what you did that day will be invaluable in years to come.

Have a guest-book and invite people to sign. Ask for email address. If they give it, follow up with regular greetings on Burns Night, St Andrews Day, Tartan Day, Clan Gregor Day and all the rest.

Have a water bowl on the ground, with a sign "Hot Dog Refuelling Station" - people remember kindness.

If you can, organise a follow-up, low key, event later on in the year and invite all possibles to attend.

[Stan]

ALL great, creative, and note worthy suggestions Chas. Thanks a lot.I'm making a list......

I did a Google search on "Scottish clan tents" and on page 3 (i think) I found a link to an Xmarks posting regarding the subject that I couldn't seem to find in my initial Xmarks search. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...80/index2.html.

[ctbuchanan]

Here is a view of our Clan Tent. I also sent you a PM with some ideas.

[MizzouScotsman]

I have a little bit of experience and love to share.

Here are some photos of our tents (we do 3 10x10 tents put together).



If you want, give me a pm and I'll answer any question that you may have to the best of my ability.

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Talk to your neighbor, the Clan Gregor rep in Missouri. He does a great job and will steer you the right way.

Dan

[Stan]

Great help from you all, and thanks. Dan thanks for the Missouri Clan Gregor rep. info, I'll look for this persons contact information some where, because I don't know who that Clan Gregor person is.

Stan L.

[bonniegraham]

Great suggestions here, and an interesting post to follow.
As a relative newbie to hosting a tent, I've thought a lot about my tent "philosophy." We see all different kinds of tents and I want to be sure that the Graham tent I host reflects what I look for when I attend games and celtic festivals.
I can add a few ideas here.
*Have fun! If YOU are having a great time your clan's tent will be a place people want to be.
*Be prepared. The old Boy Scout motto works here. Is your tent paraphernalia easy to pull together so you won't forget something? Do you have a list or spreadsheet? Do you wait 'til the last minute to pack?
*Variety of experience is important. Your tent should reflect some aspect of the different things that attract folks - sports, history, heritage, food, MUSIC.
*Music hasn't been mentioned at all. Let's bring music back to the tents! Your clan has songs that reflect your history and heritage. Sing them, or at least have the words handy so tent visitors can sing them together. One of my favorite memories of past games is Grahams singing Killiekrankie together. We could do it because I had the words printed out in a song book. Look at Haughs of Cromdale's lyrics. I bet your clan is there.
*Find a way to make your tent different. Your clan has unique heritage that should be highlighted. I make authentic, home-made Graham Crackers for the Graham tent and can relate the history of Sylvester Graham (1870's health nut) if you are interested. I created a few things only found at our tent such as a sign post with mileage to Edinburgh, Belfast (where my Ulster Scot Grahams are from), and Mugdock Castle (near Glasgow).
*Most Important - Connect. Wear a name tag and have extra name tags handy for any clan member who shows up who wants to help. Keep that guest register filled out so you have the email you need next week when the games are over. Send your tent visitors a copy of the photo you took of them. Find knowledgable clan members to help you at the tent so you can get away for a bit to visit vendors and other clan tents. I like what has been said previously about engaging visitors with something other than the big push to JOIN UP. Help them with their clan heritage...have a copy of "Tartan for Me" on hand. It links all known Septs to their Clan by last name.

I LOVE hosting our Graham tents in western NC. Hope to see lots of you next week at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games!