XMTS Annual Kilt Weekend

[Chase]

I did a search and didn't find anything remotely related to this topic, so my apologies if a thread already exists.

My question: Does XMTS have an annual get-together or Kilt weekend somewhere in the world??? If not, I think it would be great if we did...Let me propose a Kilt weekend located somewhere neutral that would draw a larger turnout.

Things to consider:

Location, location, location
Date and Time
Entertainment
Banquet/Menu
Vendors
Contest(s)
Dance/Pub

It would be great to establish the 1st annual XMTS Kilt weekend for all members and we could organize it like a conference and hold it in different locations so everyone will have an opportunity to attend one or the other.

It would be a great place to meet everyone, we could introduce our new XMTS cookbook, we could have a casual floor show followed by a formal, and close with a party at the local pub of choice.

I don't have a clue how to start a poll or rate this thread, but it would be nice to get some feedback if you think it's a good idea or let me know if it's already been discussed.

Best Regards and a safe and Happy Holiday to everyone and their families.

Chase

P.S. I added a poll to see what city the majority of XMTS members would like to attend, provided we did get something going...Please add your response why you would like to host it in or near your city of choice.

[Galician]

It's a good idea, Chase.

Given how many monthly local gatherings are already held, though, plus other occasions to meet (e.g., Celtic events) maybe something more like every 2-3 years might be better to consider?

[pipesndrumsnun]

What a neat idea!

[TheKiltedWonder]

Sound like a fun idea. May I suggest Williamsburg Virginia as an excellent location

[Chase]

It's a good idea, Chase.

Given how many monthly local gatherings are already held, though, plus other occasions to meet (e.g., Celtic events) maybe something more like every 2-3 years might be better to consider?

Well, I thought about that and in fairness was going to propose, that we maintain the annual, but host it on the other side of the pond for our UK XMTS and others...That way, it would be every two years in North America and every two years in the UK.

Just a thought.

Chase

[The Wizard of BC]

This last summer we at Freedom Kilts held Kilt Kamp. A gathering of X Marks members and the public where we got together and talked and learned about kilts. Barb Tewksbury was the featured kiltmaker and she taught three new apprentices.
The event was a full five days for Barbs course and a three day weekend for those who just wanted to come and be part of the fun.
We are planning Kilt Kamp 2008 and would hope it could be held at The Scottish Tartans Museum. We don't want to intrude on the Storrington Gathering though, so we may have to postpone till 2009.

Our plan was to hold it on alternate coasts each year. Stay tuned for further details.

[Colin]

We had the Vancouver gathering in 2005 which Hamish and Dave W. came over for. We also had bikerelt and his family come up from WA.

[Tartan Hiker]

What about the gathering in Hamish's hamlet this Spring? Is that still on?

[The Wizard of BC]

Hamish assures me that "The Gathering" is still a go. It seems that speed week will happen in July this year so there will not be a conflict.

Now all we need to do is figure out how to get 40 tents set up in Hamish's yard.

[Woodsheal]

I think it's a great idea! It'd have to be a city with a major international airhub (Washington, DC? NYC? Toronto?) for the folks flying in (including from overseas).

A schedule like a class re-union weekend would work great: a casual "ice breaker" Friday evening at some local Celtic pub, and a dressier dinner-dance Saturday night with music. Saturday day could be for shopping, sight-seeing, kilt-making workshops, golf, whatever.

But, again like a class re-union, this would take a cadre of volunteers in and around the target city to organize the whole affair...!