Queen Mary Scottish Festival

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:01 AM

Okay, here we go!

The first stop of the day was the Highland Dancing display. Neither of us had ever seen it before and could not believe how young these girls were! If we thought they were 14, they were 11. If we thought they were 16, they were 13. We must be getting old. But we were impressed to see how athletic they all were. Truly a fine presentation.

After a few dances (they were all IDENTICAL), we headed outside and heard so many cats being killed, I thought we stepped into an animal shelter! We took a look around and noticed all the different bands warming up. Very fun to see! Here are some of the bands preparing. I'm sorry for not being able to label each one. Most were not standing by their tents.

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:02 AM

At noon, the parade began. The description in the program wasn't very descriptive so we weren't sure what it would be. Turned out to be very cool. They had four bands (honorably labeled bands "A, B, C, and D") to do the opening with flags and color guard.

This lady here was far more than a pipe or drum major. She was a drill sergeant! I saw guys more than six and a half feet tall weighing 300+ pounds...and this lady commanded more authority than they did!

The Old Bushmills Distillery Pipe and Drum Band

Another picture of the Bushmills' folk

All of the bands for the color guard were small bands grouped together. This particular group included the University of CA, Riverside pipe band. They should out because both my wife and I went to UCR and they have their own official tartan (blue and gold on the far right) and their team name is the Highlanders!

Next came the Gordon Regiment re-enacters.

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:11 AM

And now the entrance of the clans! I apologize in advance for not being able to list each of them here. I tried to get pictures of all their banners, but it just wasn't possible and some had none.

Clan Donald

Clan Armstrong

Clan Chattan

Clan Donnachaidh

Clan Douglas

Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band

Clan Fergusson

Clan Gordon (notice the Utilikilts)