Clan tent suggestions needed

[Stan]

All good thoughts..... Well, space for transport shouldn't be a problem, because in addition to having a car or two, I have a Ford full sized van, and motor home. I know what you mean about the "easy set up" one. Our car club has one of those for our events booth, and I can see that it's the one to have. Regarding wind..... I understand that part too.

I'm suspect that I'd use the tent about two times a year if not just one time for Tulsa. Oklahoma City has a similar event, but it seems to be a lot smaller, so maybe just one time a year.

I live on a ranch, and have an annual BIG BBQ, and skeet, and pistol shooting party, so I can see the posability of it being used at that event too...... Certainly something to think about....

[ShaunMaxwell]

Also, make sure you have plenty of bungee cords of varying lengths and some heavy duty stakes to tie down your tent. I've found that, unless the ground is terribly hard, those 16" steel screw pegs work pretty well, but best to have some normal straight stakes, and a hammer, on hand as well. I'd also have some duct tape, extra pens, and binder clips and plenty of paper weights too. (I'm guessing that your events are likely to be at least as windy as those I frequent in Texas...)

[ASinclair]

Stan, here are some other threads you may find helpful:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f257/clan-donald-tent-assistance-79571/

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f97/what-features-make-clan-tent-appealing-engaging-77508/

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...avalier-73634/

[Stan]

Nice threads.....I can see that "accumulation" is part of the key, and a great attitude is the other.....I think that I can handle both. I'm sure that like many others, in that I (already) wish I was about two or three years down the road on my accumulations.

[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!

[Bluescelt]

All good suggestions in previous posts. Most people stopping by your tent want to learn and share so try to absorb as much history of your clan as you can. Visual presentation draws people in. I took a high resolution panoramic photo of Loch Tummel when in Scotland and printed it out on a 120"x36" banner which I hang in the tent. It gives those who haven't been there a good feel of what it's like and has been a good addition to the tent. It's always good to have photos of your chief if you have one. Another trademark of our branch of Clan Donnachaidh is we make a homemade batch of shortbread for every games. People have really responded to this.

[Ron Abbott]

I don't see the Scots on the forum rushing to advise what is displayed in their clan tent/s at the games held throughout Scotland......

This a very much a new world thing!
The last Games I visited....two years ago was when back home on holiday. The Lochearnhead Games.

The MacGregors, McLarens and MacNabs were there with the MacGregor's sons wearing their blazers and brigade of guards regimental ties. The range rovers were parked next to them, and the only tents I saw were either for the traders, the showground tinkers or for the clan chiefs having their fancy picnics.