So, what should I wear to Pixar.....

[walkerk]

What is it and where is it? Appears to be a winery of some sort?

Yes, it appears to be Castello di Amorosa Winery in Napa, CA.

[Alan H]

What is it and where is it? Appears to be a winery of some sort?

Castella de Amarosa winery.....

[Dale Seago]

Yep, that's the one. The level of detailed hand-craftsmanship in the construction of the place is just mind-boggling.

Now I think on it, that was my first kilted winery visit.

Editing to add the winery website url: www.castellodiamorosa.com

[creagdhubh]

Cool! Thanks for the info gents! Hmm...I think this is a place my wife and I will need to visit the next time we are in California. Very romantic indeed!

Cheers,

[GEMcdonald]

Well said, Spartan Tartan and I concur!

Alright then, Alan. No sugar coating. I know you like straight talk so here goes. I would go dressed as closely to the main character's father as I could. He is a big strong guy and hosts a tyoe of competition from what I can tell. Go big. Throw heavy stuff. They didnt invite you to be a classical THCD gentleman. No, rather, they invited you to bring the spirit of the event to life. That means costume up and put on a good show!!

[guardsman]

go unshaven,burp,fart,scratch yer ****. Seriously kilt as casual as poss. Oh smell of whisky and shout aggressively LOL

[Macman]

go unshaven,burp,fart,scratch yer ****. Seriously kilt as casual as poss. Oh smell of whisky and shout aggressively LOL

He may get some looks from the other symphony-goers, though!

[Alan H]

OK, pictures are in VERY short supply....as in there *might* be one or two. Security was *extremely* tight, there were apparently well over 100 obviously plainclothes guys on the grounds at all times, and casual photography was strictly verboten, both in the written instructions and in the orally transmitted instructions from security.

Our group never got near the castle, though apparently Bethany went in 'cause she had to go to the bathroom! Most of the historical attractions were outside on the road that goes by the front of the castle. Our gang was up at the end of the road, but Bethany, that clever lassie, suggested that we be able to move down nearer, where the two GIGANTIC Clydesdale horses were. There was an "instant photography" booth by the horses, so that guests could get their picture taken with the animals. Apparently our team set up about 20-25 feet away from that area, so we got a lot of traffic during the 2 1/2 hours of the pre-movie show. The excuse to move was so that we could stand the cabers up against the water-tower that was there, so that people could actually see them.

Bethany tells me that you could see it all,tartan-wise. Some guys showed up in prince charlies and formal kilts. Then there were a couple of guys in formal kilts, converse sneakers and no shirt. She said that she saw a mess of Utilikilts. Apparently one guy showed up in some shockingly loud tartan suit....jacket, tie and slacks all in the same tartan. Several guys sported some variant on a great kilt, but usually teamed up with something pretty ridiculous on their feet. It was NOT, shall we way, a strictly formal affair.

Women were mostly either in evening gowns and heels, or Ren Faire wear of various levels of "nobility". Apparently, several lasses, decked out in 3-inch heels and evening gowns, hiked up their skirts and threw weight over bar with the 14 pound weight. One apparently gave the womens Braemar stone a heave. Lots of guys took a turn at weight over bar with the 28 pounder, and 3-4 apparently "graduated" to the 42 and did pretty well.

Down the hill was a small contingent of Highland Dancers, one of the local pipe bands (not sure which one, but probably the MacIntosh Pipe Band), the Highland Warriors re-enactment group and apparently a falconry group.

As an "extra"....nobody told me about this..... all the Historical folks formed up a parade with banners rather like Clan banners, to lead the crowd into the outdoor auditorium, where the movie was to be shown. Leading the parade was our "Historical Coordinator", Jessie in a bright red wig and green dress, astride one of the Clydesdales...who apparently is the most mellow horse in the entire world.

NOBODY was allowed in to see the movie, You had to have "credentials" which were actually cast pewter wrist medallions, not some two-bit paper thingamabob. Pixar spent MONEY on this. in fact, loading up the gear and departing was delayed quite a while during the Pixar CEO's speech to the company folks...couldn't have the sound of auto engines echo'ing over the valley whilst the boss was talking! LOL...anyway, since they had to wait around, our team got some dinner, so that's good, but they never got even a glimpse at the movie.

AND...that's about as much as I know, right now!

[Macman]

That sounds like a heck of an event, Alan! How was the concert?

[Alan H]

PS: The Philadelphia Orchestra is out of this world. Wow...really wonderful. Program was Hindemith, Variations on Themes by Weber .... a Ravel piano concerto which was a lot of fun...and Shostakovich's 5th symphony. I had forgotten how absolutely gorgeous the third movement of that symphony is.