Clan tent suggestions needed

[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!