North Texas Scottish Festival

**Lambda** · 30th May 08, 12:32 PM

Unlike most, this Scottish festival is literally a profit-making enterprise and is run in a business-like manner. This is why there are no sanctioned comps - because such takes money (to pay the judges) rather than makes money.

I'm always a little dissapointed when these ventures don't have band competitions (which are one of the reasons that I started playing in the first place). The NTCP&D will be on hand to play several times throughout the weekend, so that should be fun and hot...

The Pro athlete games are fun, the music tents are great, and there are a ton of clan tents and vendors. If we could only get a band competition going, this would be one of my favorite festivals. Plus it's close by which is nice.

**Morris at Heathfield** · 30th May 08, 10:54 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

The solo piping comps used to be on the grounds just under the concrete ramp that leads up to the breezeway at the top back of the stadium. I don't know if that is still their location. I consider such as bridge-troll accommodations, but at least its in the shade.

This year the open piping competition is supposed to be in a tent on the football field—the same tent the Highland dancers will be using earlier in the day.

**Jack Daw** · 31st May 08, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by Morris of Heathfield

This year the open piping competition is supposed to be in a tent on the football field—the same tent the Highland dancers will be using earlier in the day.

That's fine, but the open pipers (i.e. the professionals) usually get better treatment than the rank amateurs - the grades 4, 3, and 2.

**RadioKen** · 2nd June 08, 04:29 AM

I've got plans to be there on Sunday morning, though I'll have to leave around 1pm. Is there an X-Markers gathering spot, either official or unofficial?

~Ken

**McMathTX** · 2nd June 08, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by DTrain

Sounds like a blast, looking forward to pics. I noted on the website no opportunity for locals/amateurs to enter the athletic contests. Sad.

They (you know how THEY are) were saying on the festival website that there would indeed be amateur events. I know they've had it in the past. This year will include some sort of professional world championships.
Dean

**Morris at Heathfield** · 2nd June 08, 10:09 PM

On the off chance that I'm not the only fellow there wearing waist-high leggings, I've decided to make myself at least somewhat distinctive by donning the weskit pictured below:

Not a kilt, but I've had it for ten years stashed away in a box somewhere, and haven't worn it in public yet. I'm not sure why I haven't; mostly I've just forgotten I had it. I might as well start wearing it now. I do hope it doesn't rain.

Forecast predicts 0% chance of rain for Saturday afternoon and evening, highs in the mid-90s, and 13mph southerly winds. Skies partly cloudy. I expect to be there by late morning or early afternoon (at least by 1:00, when the NT Caledonians perform) and stay into the evening at least as late as 9:00, maybe later. I will have a camera.

**RadioKen** · 3rd June 08, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by RadioKen

I've got plans to be there on Sunday morning, though I'll have to leave around 1pm. Is there an X-Markers gathering spot, either official or unofficial?

~Ken

AN UPDATE! It looks like I'll be going on Saturday after all! I'm not sure what time I'll arrive yet. I'm going to shoot for something like 10am, but that's only so I can probably get there by noon. I'll be the goateed guy with long hair, pretty wife, and two adorable young kids doubled up in one stroller. I'm sure that there won't be ANY one else like that out there....

My wife's a photographer, so we, too, will have a camera. Now if we can just remember to take it out and use it....

~Ken

**hallmarktex** · 4th June 08, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by RadioKen

AN UPDATE! It looks like I'll be going on Saturday after all! I'm not sure what time I'll arrive yet. I'm going to shoot for something like 10am, but that's only so I can probably get there by noon. I'll be the goateed guy with long hair, pretty wife, and two adorable young kids doubled up in one stroller. I'm sure that there won't be ANY one else like that out there....

My wife's a photographer, so we, too, will have a camera. Now if we can just remember to take it out and use it....

~Ken

If I might suggest, don't get there too early with the little ones. Shade gets mighty scarce around the grounds and by sunset you'll be fried (been there, done that). Adults just deal with it but little kids...
Besides, the pro-games are later in the afternoon anyway and after they finish up it will just be getting dusky (dusky?). There's still lots going on after the sun goes down and it's way more comfortable.

**hallmarktex** · 4th June 08, 10:26 AM

We have officially decided that we're going Friday after work. They have a ceremonial "Calling of the Clans" at 8 followed by fireworks and a ceilidh. We've never done the opening festivities, so this should be fun.

Now, which kilt to wear? Decisions, decisions...

**Cynthia** · 6th June 08, 09:52 AM

I'm almost paranoid to post about it since things have been so back and forth lately for us budget-wise... yeesh!

Anyway, Christopher and I think we will be out there Saturday. Not sure how long we'll be there or what time we'll arrive, but here's hoping nothing else comes up.

Hope to see some of you out there!