From BabsFayth at aol.com Thu Aug 7 15:50:11 2003 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Thu Aug 7 14:52:41 2003 Subject: [Scottish News] SCOTTISH NEWS IN MINNESOTA Vol. 3, No. 23, August 6, 2003 Message-ID: <1a4.183d9f9e.2c63f963@aol.com> Sorry, folks, we had a snafu in our mailing system and we had hoped to get this out yesterday. Thanks to the industrious and expert work of Rob Portinga, it's fixed and here, just a little late is the SNIM. Babs Hello Everyone I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! Yes, indeed, me and the White Rabbit. Sorry for the delay with the first of the month issue, folks. I was taking part in a very important event in my home town, and for the record, it was SMASHINGLY successful and well worth the 1 to 10 years it took to make it happen. Thanks for your patience and we hope the interesting news listed below makes up for the delay. It's official! ! !? Today's top story is certainly the decision by Don Cogswell, coordinator of the Minnesota Scottish Fair and members of that committee, to hold the FIRST Minnesota Scottish Fair on July 10, 2004 at the Dakota County Fair Grounds located in Farmington, Minnesota. In a message dated Tuesday, July 29, Don writes, "The Minnesota Scottish Fair committee decided last night to hold the 2004 Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games at the Dakota County Fairgrounds on July 10th, 2004. The Dakota County Fairgrounds provides a huge amount of space for the activities of the Fair and has excellent on site parking available." For the latest information on the MN Scottish Fair 2004 go to http://www.mnscottishfair.org/? COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. St. Andrew's Society AGM and election of Executive Board and Board of Governors, Sunday, August 10, 1:00 p.m. 10505 Cedar Lake Road, Minnetonka 2. Irish Fair on Harriet Island in St. Paul, August 8, 9 & 10. Free Admission 3. St. Andrew's Society Pub Night, Friday, August 15, 7:00 p.m., Kieran's, downtown Minneapolis 4. Twin Cities Scottish Club, Summer Picnic, Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Minnehaha Falls Park. 5. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Executive Board meeting, August 26, Location TBA 6. On Going - The Gathering, April 8th and every other Tuesday thereafter, Young Twin Ports Scots just for fun. 7. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week. 8. On Going - Clann Tartan Night at the Pub, Molly Quinn's, 3rd Tuesday of each month 9. On Going - NEW SCHEDULE - Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George! FUTURE DATES - Additional information in future issues. Mark your calendars NOW. 1. Highland Fling Weekend, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, September 13 & 14, 2003 2. RSCDS offers "Bring a Friend" Night, Monday, September 22, 2003, 7:30 p.m. 3. 2003 Minnesota Folk Festival, September 26 - 28, 2003 4. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Annual General Meeting, October 11, 2003, Location TBA 5. RSCDS - Failte Ball, Saturday, December 6, 2003 6. St. Andrew's Society Burns Night, January 24, 2004, Rush Creek Golf Club. 7. RSCDS - Valentine Social, Monday, February 9, 2004 8. RSCDS - Grand Ball, Saturday, February 21, 2004, afternoon ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. The Mystery is Solved! The Dublin Walk has reappeared. 2. Clan is Clan Hamilton of the month for August at the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop. 3. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces web site for latest information. 4. Jackie Johnston offers mosquito solution. NEWS 1. YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK! Audrey's book, "Westering Home" is a MUST read. 2. Men of Worth planning second series of tours to Scotland in Spring 2004 3. News from MSCDA. 4. New Home For the Minnesota Folk Festival SPECIAL SECTION As a follow up to the article in last month's issue by Chuck Bushey, Ray Erwin offers this post script. COMING EVENTS 1. St. Andrew's Society AGM and election of Executive Board and Board of Governors,? Sunday, August 10, 1:00 p.m. 10505 Cedar Lake Road, Minnetonka REMINDER! Gathering for August, Annual General Meeting, Luncheon @ Deb Crane's complex, in the party Room, 10505 Cedar Lake Road, Minnetonka, MN 952-545-2674 Program - Update on the past year and plans for 2003-2004, election of the new members to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Cost is $5 per person, Scottish attire is always welcome. Call Tom Parry for Reservations 952-926-0748. Reservations were due last Monday, August 4 but if you call Tom ASAP, you might be squeezed in. 2. Minnesota Irish Fair Aug 8-9-10 FREE ADMISSION Harriet Island St Paul Dunquin (Sherry Ladig's Irish Band) performs in Cultural Heritage Area at 1:30 pm Sunday. Don Ladig of Dunquin teaches free Irish whistle workshop (same location) at 5:30 pm Sunday. Lots of great entertainment for everyone! Come on down! Sherry? says, "Dunquin is known to sneak several Scottish tunes into every performance, and? much Irish cultural heritage shares common ancestry with the Scots, so that all your? readers should find lots to enjoy at the Fair." I went for the first time last year and had? a BALL. Check out their web page www.irishfair.com for full information on performance schedules, how to get there, what's happening. 3. St. Andrew's Society Pub Night, Friday, August 15, 7:00 p.m., Kieran's, downtown Minneapolis. The pub nights will continue. If it's a nice night we will sit outside on the plaza in front of Kieran's. Join us. It's always a great time. 4. Twin Cities Scottish Club, Summer Picnic, Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Minnehaha Falls Park. Meet near the pavilion, in pavilion if it's raining. Look for the TCSC flag. Bring a dish or dessert to share, your own beverages (alcohol not allowed in the park), lawn chairs if you would like, sunscreen or umbrella, and TCSC will supply hamburgers & hot dogs. Please RSVP so we know how many hot dogs and hamburgers to buy. Call Kirsty at 952-895-6133. 5. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Executive Board meeting, August 26, Location TBA 6.? On Going - The Gathering, every other Tuesday, Young Twin Ports Scots just for fun. Amy Hoff, Northern Minnesota convenor of Clan Donald writes from Duluth: "Our ongoing thing up here is "The Gathering" at Perkins, Superior, WI, every other Tues. night at 9 pm.? Everyone shows up in Highland dress, we hang out and have a good time. We're a pretty young, rowdy, 'bawdy' crowd, though, so make sure you're not easily offended!? We have a great time, and anyone is invited (though mostly it tends to be ages 18-30).? Thanks again!" For more info email Amy at:? athosallforone@yahoo.com 7. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week. Dancing is now held the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at Hamline University Student Center Ballroom located off Snelling Ave in St. Paul, and the 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays at St Christopher's Episcopal Church in Roseville.? For information about the Dance Guild, call Julie Yoder at 651-698-8375 or Mary McKinley at 651-699-6853 for information and directions. (It's a great place to meet people.) 8. On Going - Clann Tartan Night at the Pub is the third Tuesday of every month at Molly Quinn's in Minneapolis. Come and join us. More information can be found at their website - www.clanntartan.org. 9. On Going - NEW SCHEDULE Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George! Twin Cities Scottish Club is again offering Ceilidh dancing led by none other than himself, George McCracken every THIRD Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Providence Place (The Nile) 3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407-3010. Due to recent health issues, George's daughter Kirsty, along with Doug and Eileen Stewart, has been helping out leading the dancing. People of all levels of dance experience are welcomed at these enjoyable evenings. For additional information email TheTCSC@hotmail.com Be sure to check with Eileen or Doug about the dancing 612-377-8680. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. The Mystery is Solved! The Dublin Walk has reappeared. Were you one of those wondering what happened to that wonderful Irish shop at the Galleria that just kind of vanished after St. Patrick's Day? Well wonder not longer. The Dublin Walk has reappeared in the 50th & France area of Edina, 3948 West 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424 (behind D'Amico's at Halifax and 49 1/2 Street) 952-925-8753. Stop in and look at her wonderful selection of Celtic Gifts. If the interest is there, the owner, Sheila, will consider adding to her inventory of Scottish items. Stop in a see you amazing selection of beautiful gifts. 2. Clan is Clan Hamilton of the month for August at the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop. This from Matthew Allan Newsombe, curator of the Scottish Tartan Museum: Our clan of the month for August is Clan Hamilton.? For the month of August, all Clan Hamilton items (non-customized) are 10% off the listed price.? To read the details about our clan of the month, go to: http://www.scottishtartans.org/tartanmonth.html "Bring Forrit the Tartan!" 3. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces web site for latest information. Lyaman McPherson has announced the creation of a web site for the Minnesota Scottish Fair planning group. For the latest information on the wheres and whens of the Scottish Fair 2004 go to http://www.mnscottishfair.org/? As information becomes known, "Mac" will post it on the web site. There are also links there to contact MSF coordinator, Don Cogswell. 4. Jackie Johnston offers mosquito solution. About those mosquitoes.? I have found something that is the best thing of the new millennium.? It is OFF mosquito lamps and lanterns.? It is a little expensive to buy the replacement candles and repellants but the best prices are at Wal-mart and Menards or watch for sales and stock up. NEWS 1. YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK! Audrey's book, "Westering Home" is a MUST read. On Monday, June 30 it was this editor's pleasure to attend a book launch party to introduce a new novel by our own Audrey McClellan. We had some foreknowledge of?? this book as there had been a "buzz" for about a year. We knew for instance that Sherry Ladig, musical inspiration behind both "Thistledown" and "Dunquin" had written some? original music. What we hadn't known was that Lara Friedman~Shedlov of RSCDS/TCB had created an original Scottish Country Dance for the book. The Book Launch was a delightful experience. An enthusiastic crowd of more than 70 members of our community filled the space at the Tapestry Dance Studio where we enjoyed the beautiful, melancholy eilean sounds created by Sherry and Dunquin, listened to Audrey read intriguing passages from her book and watched as members of RSCDS/TBC resplendent in their new costumes, created with the help of Jim Morehouse, performed several traditional dances in addition to the dance called "Failte Gu Eilean Dubh" composed for the book. The dancers, in addition to Lara were: Dan Friedman~Shedlov, Scott Marsalis, Jim Morehouse, Janet McKernan and Bonny McIntyre and they were brilliant. After the formal part of the presentation, those involved sat at a long table where we were able to have them autograph a copy of the book and chat with them about the experience. That was fun! But the best was yet to come! Reading the Book! Run, do not walk, to www.BookHouseFulfillment.com and purchase your copy of "Westering Home." You will be so glad you did. You know how people will say, "I just couldn't put this book down!" YOU will not be able to put this book down. Audrey has written a book that has everything - romance, intrigue, mystery, danger, unexpected plot twists - suffused with a deep love of the Islands of Scotland. She has seasoned this delicious tale generously with Gaelic phrases and expressions, almost all followed by "on site" translations. Some require flipping to the glossary at the back of the book, but soon you find you understand what these phrases mean and flipping becomes unnecessary. As they would say on Eilean Dubh, this editor confesses to being a shameless gusher when it comes to this book. And here's the really good news: the next volume will be ready to go to the publisher very, very soon. Don't wait, order it today - you can thank me later. You can also go to the www.scottishislandnovels.com where you will find a link to purchase the book. 2. Men of Worth planning second series of tours to Scotland in Spring 2004 We are in receipt of several wonderful emails from Donnie Macdonald of Men of Worth telling of the very successful tours led by himself and fellow Men of Worth mate, Jimmy Keigher. As one might expect, the travelers had a grand time with Donnie and Jimmy,? so much so that the lads are planning yet more tours for the spring of 2004. Two tours are planned beginning in Glasgow, one starting on April 9th, the other April 23rd. Each tour is 9 days in duration. For the complete itinerary for both tours go the the Men of Worth Web site www.menofworth.com The 2004 tours on not listed on the web site as yet but will be soon. There is an information sheet available that can be sent to you if interested. Let us know. 3. News from MSCDA Upcoming events, MSCDA will be dancing three 1/2 hour performances at this year's Highland Fest, August 9, at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm.? We will also be selling shortbread and Irn Bru.? We'll also be dancing during the Highland week-end at the Renaissance Festival, and an afternoon performance on Saturday, November 22 at the Galaxy Branch of the Dakota County Library in Apple Valley. Don Cogswell sends this report on the MSCDA participation at the Nationals: Just to let you know how the Minnesota dancers did at Nationals. Kelly Brush was 3rd Runner-up in the 11 and Under. Kira Cogswell was the Champion in the Adult Group, third time in a row. Nationals were at Grandfather Mountain, NC. Next year they will be at the Mall of America. Congratulations to our fine dancers from Minnesota who represented us so proudly at the nationals. Stay tuned for more information about next year's event right here in Minnesota. 4. New Home For the Minnesota Folk Festival The Minnesota Folk Festival which produced its first festival in Minneapolis in 1978 has found a new home just outside the Twin Cities, The Little Log House Showgrounds in Hastings, to be exact. The 2004 Minnesota Folk Festival scheduled for April 30, May 1 & 2 will be held at this new location.? Plus, the organization will be hosting 2 more festivals at this new and exciting site:? The Henry Ford Fiddle Fest June 18, 19 & 20, 2004 and Chief O'Neill Days (Irish/Celtic event) August 7 & 8, 2004.? The organization will continue to host the popular St. Paul Celtic Connection in the City of St. Paul.? The next event is February 20 & 21 and will take place at the O'Shaugnessy Auditorium. In addition to the above, the Minnesota Folk Festival will also be part of an annual event which has taken place the last weekend of July at the showgrounds for 13 years which is called the Antique Power Show.? Beginning in July 2003, the Minnesota Folk Festival will host a stage during this popular event which draws thousands of people from around the 5 state area as well as from across the United States. The Little Log House Showgrounds has 180 acres, will have a stage which is currently being built for the Minnesota Folk Festival, has camping, historic buildings and award winning flower gardens.? A perfect new home for the nationally acclaimed Minnesota Folk Festival! Office phone:? 651-292-4900 http://www.minnesotafolkfestival.org SPECIAL SECTION As a follow up to the article in last month's issue by Chuck Bushey, Ray Erwin offers this post script. The Declaration of Independence was given for printing to John Dunlap on?? July 4,? 1776.? Dunlap worked all night to print 100-200? copies, known? as? Dunlap's Broadside (a? printing term for size of paper). 25 of these copies remain known today. One printed? copy,? found about 1989? behind? a? picture that? sold in a flea market for $4 (buyer wanted the frame),? is owned by TV producer Norman Lear who paid? $8.1 million. The official copy on parchment which was? eventually signed by the 56 men, was not ready? until August? 2,? 1776.? It exists in the National? Archives,? Washington,DC.?? Congress? decided it? had to be? engrossed? or? hand lettered. A? man, who? worked? with? Congress secretary Charles Thomson, did the engrossing.? His? name was? Colonel Timothy? "The Scribe" Matlack. Colonel Timothy Matlack's grandfather,?? William? Matlack, is Ray's great 6X grandfather. William Matlack? came from? England around 1677.? He? was a carpenter and an indentured servant. Much on internet about Timothy Matlack, including a portrait? now? in the Boston?? Museum of? Fine? Arts by? Charles Willson* Peale and another by Charles? Willson? Peale's son (Yes,? two? lls in Willson)? Rembrandt Peale in? the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.? Work hard on internet and download these portraits and? then enlarge them? with your? scanner. PS? If you want? to read? some? real? horror? stories, look up INDENTURED? SERVANTS on? Internet.?? Especially? a story by Gottlieb Mittelberger on the Misfortune of Indentured? Servants 1754!!!!!!!?? I suggest? just putting? in the search words Gottlieb? Mittelberger will do the? trick quite nicely.? 7 to? 12 weeks? of pure? misery? to cross the? Atlantic and then? not able to leave? the ship until some farmer? or plantation? owner comes to pay the? passage money to the shipmaster? and make a legal? contract? for 4 to? 7 years. Thanks Ray. If you have coming events, news, or announcements you would like included in future issues, please send the information to us and we will publish in the next issue. Our deadline for the first of the month issue is the 27th of the previous month; the mid-month deadline is the 12th. Please let us know if you would like to be included in the reminder email that is sent out on the 20th of the month. Please feel free to forward this on to whomever you think might enjoy receiving it. As always, if you do not wish to continue receiving Scottish News in Minnesota and our mid-month reminders, go to www.tartandaymn.org, click on Scottish News in Minnesota, click on subscriptions page, and follow the directions for removing your email address from the mailing list. Barbara Humphrey "Babs" Scottish News in Minnesota is a publication of the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative and is published 12 times a year with 12 mid-month updates for total of 24 issues. It is intended solely for the information, interest and enjoyment of members of the Scottish community of Minnesota and the border Scots of Wisconsin as well as others of our Celtic friends. The current issue of Scottish News in Minnesota can be found on our new web site hosted by Clann Tartan: www.tartandaymn.org? Click on "current issue." Scottish News in Minnesota is available in hard copy via USPS. Send your check in the amount of $7.50 (to cover postage and paper) for 12 issues (6 months) to Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative, 6324 Wentworth Ave So, Minneapolis MN 55423-1541. "Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thaining thu" Remember those from whom you are descended Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://host.dotservant.com/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20030807/c20ed9fa/attachment-0001.htm From BabsFayth at aol.com Sun Aug 17 22:18:49 2003 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Sun Aug 17 21:55:24 2003 Subject: [Scottish News] SCOTTISH NEWS IN MINNESOTA Vol. 3, No. 23, August 6, 2003 Message-ID: Hello Everyone We havin' a heat wave, a tropical heat wave. . . Anybody besides me remember that great old Peggy Lee song? Sure has been on my mind these last few days. Boys oh boys! It's hot, hot, hot. Okay enough said about the heat, I had to take a break from the barrage of Elvis movies on TV celebrating Dead Elvis Week, so thought I'd get this mid-month update into your email boxes so as to start your week out right. COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. Twin Cities Scottish Club, Summer Picnic, Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Minnehaha Falls Park. 2. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Executive Board meeting, August 26, Location TBA 3. Hart School of Highland Dance will begin Sept. 6th. 4. Highland Fling Weekend, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, September 13 & 14, 2003 5. On Going - The Gathering, April 8th and every other Tuesday thereafter, Young Twin Ports Scots just for fun. 6. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week. 7. On Going - Clann Tartan Night at the Pub, Molly Quinn's, 3rd Tuesday of each month 8. On Going - NEW SCHEDULE - Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George! FUTURE DATES - Additional information in future issues. Mark your calendars NOW. 1. RSCDS offers "Bring a Friend" Night, Monday, September 22, 2003, 7:30 p.m. (More info in next issue.) 2. 2003 Minnesota Folk Festival, September 26 - 28, 2003 3. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Annual General Meeting, October 11, 2003, Location TBA 4. RSCDS - Failte Ball, Saturday, December 6, 2003 5. St. Andrew's Society Burns Night, January 24, 2004, Rush Creek Golf Club. 6. The Return To Eilean Dubh concert will take place Friday, February 6, 2004, with the usual suspects (Sherry Ladig, Dunquin, and friends) doing the musical honors. Additional information in future issues. 7. RSCDS - Valentine Social, Monday, February 9, 2004 8. RSCDS - Grand Ball, Saturday, February 28, 2004, afternoon, Please note the date change and mark your calendars. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Clan is Clan Hamilton of the month for August at the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop. 2. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces web site for latest information. 3. Jackie Johnston offers mosquito solution. NEWS 1. News from MSCDA. 2. New Home For the Minnesota Folk Festival 3. Scots Went to the Fair. Read John McKeen's report. SPECIAL SECTION Erwins' Report on Whirlwind Trip to Scotland. COMING EVENTS 1. Twin Cities Scottish Club, Summer Picnic, Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Minnehaha Falls Park. Meet near the pavilion, in pavilion if it's raining. Look for the TCSC flag. Bring a dish or dessert to share, your own beverages (alcohol not allowed in the park), lawn chairs if you would like, sunscreen or umbrella, and TCSC will supply hamburgers & hot dogs. Please RSVP so we know how many hot dogs and hamburgers to buy. Call Kirsty at 952-895- 6133. 2. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Executive Board meeting, August 26, Location TBA 3. Hart School of Highland Dance will begin Sept. 6th. for info call Florence Hart @ 612 789 9006 or Kitty Hart Stoker @763 521 4676. 4. Highland Fling Weekend, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, September 13 & 14, 2003 More Information on this as we get it. 5. On Going - The Gathering, every other Tuesday, Young Twin Ports Scots just for fun. Amy Hoff, Northern Minnesota convenor of Clan Donald writes from Duluth: "Our ongoing thing up here is "The Gathering" at Perkins, Superior, WI, every other Tues. night at 9 pm. Everyone shows up in Highland dress, we hang out and have a good time. We're a pretty young, rowdy, 'bawdy' crowd, though, so make sure you're not easily offended! We have a great time, and anyone is invited (though mostly it tends to be ages 18-30). Thanks again!" For more info email Amy at: athosallforone@yahoo.com 6. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week. Dancing is now held the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at Hamline University Student Center Ballroom located off Snelling Ave in St. Paul, and the 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays at St Christopher's Episcopal Church in Roseville. For information about the Dance Guild, call Julie Yoder at 651-698-8375 or Mary McKinley at 651-699-6853 for information and directions. (It's a great place to meet people.) 7. On Going - Clann Tartan Night at the Pub is the third Tuesday of every month at Molly Quinn's in Minneapolis. Come and join us. More information can be found at their website - www.clanntartan.org. 8. On Going - NEW SCHEDULE Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George! Twin Cities Scottish Club is again offering Ceilidh dancing led by none other than himself, George McCracken every THIRD Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Providence Place (The Nile) 3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407-3010. Due to recent health issues, George's daughter Kirsty, along with Doug and Eileen Stewart, has been helping out leading the dancing. People of all levels of dance experience are welcomed at these enjoyable evenings. For additional information email TheTCSC@hotmail.com Be sure to check with Eileen or Doug about the dancing 612-377-8680. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Clan is Clan Hamilton of the month for August at the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop. This from Matthew Allan Newsombe, curator of the Scottish Tartan Museum: Our clan of the month for August is Clan Hamilton. For the month of August, all Clan Hamilton items (non-customized) are 10% off the listed price. To read the details about our clan of the month, go to: http://www.scottishtartans.org/tartanmonth.html "Bring Forrit the Tartan!" 2. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces web site for latest information. Lyaman McPherson has announced the creation of a web site for the Minnesota Scottish Fair planning group. For the latest information on the wheres and whens of the Scottish Fair 2004 go to http://www.mnscottishfair.org/ As information becomes known, "Mac" will post it on the web site. There are also links there to contact MSF coordinator, Don Cogswell. 3. Jackie Johnston offers mosquito solution. About those mosquitoes. I have found something that is the best thing of the new millennium. It is OFF mosquito lamps and lanterns. It is a little expensive to buy the replacement candles and repellants but the best prices are at Wal-mart and Menards or watch for sales and stock up. NEWS 1. News from MSCDAUpcoming events, MSCDA will be dancing three 1/2 hour performances at this year's Highland Fest, August 9, at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. We will also be selling shortbread and Irn Bru. We'll also be dancing during the Highland week-end at the Renaissance Festival, and an afternoon performance on Saturday, November 22 at the Galaxy Branch of the Dakota County Library in Apple Valley. Don Cogswell sends this report on the MSCDA participation at the Nationals: Just to let you know how the Minnesota dancers did at Nationals. Kelly Brush was 3rd Runner-up in the 11 and Under. Kira Cogswell was the Champion in the Adult Group, third time in a row. Nationals were at Grandfather Mountain, NC. Next year they will be at the Mall of America. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting upcoming event. Congratulations to our fine dancers from Minnesota who represented us so proudly at the nationals. Stay tuned for more information about next year's event right here in Minnesota. 2. New Home For the Minnesota Folk Festival The Minnesota Folk Festival which produced its first festival in Minneapolis in 1978 has found a new home just outside the Twin Cities, The Little Log House Showgrounds in Hastings, to be exact. The 2004 Minnesota Folk Festival scheduled for April 30, May 1 & 2 will be held at this new location. Plus, the organization will be hosting 2 more festivals at this new and exciting site: The Henry Ford Fiddle Fest June 18, 19 & 20, 2004 and Chief O'Neill Days (Irish/Celtic event) August 7 & 8, 2004. The organization will continue to host the popular St. Paul Celtic Connection in the City of St. Paul. The next event is February 20 & 21 and will take place at the O'Shaugnessy Auditorium. In addition to the above, the Minnesota Folk Festival will also be part of an annual event which has taken place the last weekend of July at the showgrounds for 13 years which is called the Antique Power Show. Beginning in July 2003, the Minnesota Folk Festival will host a stage during this popular event which draws thousands of people from around the 5 state area as well as from across the United States. The Little Log House Showgrounds has 180 acres, will have a stage which is currently being built for the Minnesota Folk Festival, has camping, historic buildings and award winning flower gardens. A perfect new home for the nationally acclaimed Minnesota Folk Festival! Office phone: 651-292-4900 http://www.minnesotafolkfestival.org 3. SCOTS WENT TO THE FAIR !! John McKeen, Secretary, MCSC reports Many of you Joined us at the Washington County Fair, Wednesday, July 30th to Sunday, August 3rd. We found many able bodied Scots who were willing to sacrifice their own private time and spend it at the fair, in hopes of connecting with the general public. In total, twenty-five participants collected 65 referral cards for various clans, & 47 names vying for the two free pairs of tickets for the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. From all reports, everyone had a great time Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you The winners of the Tickets to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater are: Sharron Durkin of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Chriss Lottsfeldt of Stillwater, Minnesota Attention: Each participant will be notified directly regarding the "donation" requested upfront to help cover our costs at the fair. The costs will be minimal, partly because to two thoughtful monetary donations to help in the effort. I want to thank David Gatewood, and especially Ronald and Carol Patterson for their generous gifts to help defray expenses at the event. One enthusiastic participant suggested that the event was soooooo successful that maybe we ought to get a troupe together to hit ALL of the county fairs. Well.......maybe that gives us something to work up to in the future. SPECIAL SECTION Erwins' Report: Just back from another trip to Scotland. Just returned from 9 day whirlwind tour around Scotland. Edinburgh Festival packed Royal Mile and Princes Street. The Tattoo at the Castle was superb although the U.S. Army entry was somewhat insipid by comparison. The Swiss percussion exhibition was a winner. Must announce that Urquhart Castle facilities are much improved with more parking and a splendid visitor centre. After many years of whizzing by but finding parking lot closed, it was wonderful to experience this Loch Ness gem in person. Heritage Scotland did the job. Anyone visiting Drum Castle 10 miles west of Aberdeen can now go to the top of the 1290 tower due to a rather ingenious internal scaffold that mimics ancient bed chamber floor. Safety precautions prevented top outside visits for many years. The tower is said to be the oldest habitable tower in Scotland. Drum is National Trust for Scotland. Irvines had it from 1323 to 1975. A gift from Robert the Bruce. Drum is now available for weddings at 430 pounds but no more than one per day! Ray and Viv Erwin were first Americans wedded there, 1996, in the chapel which was built in 1500s. With U.S. Tartan Day April 6 it should be obligatory to visit the Abbey at Arbroath. There is a handsome visitor centre with a small museum and the ruins are breathtaking. Just a few observations from my 5th trip to Scotland, 2003. The others were 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998. The Scots are finally warming to tourists with improved facilities at historic centers. B&B's are proliferating like mad as well. Twice, when ordering Guinness, I got a peculiar question: "extra cold?" which was a splendid idea. Their road signs, in and out of cities, remain something of an enigma demanding rapid reading and interpretation, especially at roundabouts. No route signs along the way as assurance as in USA. Many men are shaving heads ala Jesse Ventura. Maybe these are tourists? I am not at all sure. Condemn America for dependence upon fossil fuels? Scotland must be gaining rapidly with all the rapid autos and the huge double decker buses and tour buses all over the place, many from other countries as well. Streets are congested, outside roadways are buzzing day and night. Don't get a B&B alongside a highway!!! The many B&Bs are joining rating organizations but they remain somewhat disorganized. Many rating systems. Pricing is no longer standardized and maybe per person per night or many go per room per night and some websites are not always too clear on this. The email confirmation should make it clear. The Iona tour along Mull has bus drivers who are also sort of guides and philosophers. They do a very good job. Several restaurants in Oban now offer a Scottish floor show of pipes and dancers. One is McTavish which is on the waterfront. Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness is an example of really catering to tourists with a new parking lot and a visitor center (opened in 2001). Urquhart offers weddings as do many castles now. Drum charges about 430 pounds and no more than one wedding a day. It seems many castles are now allowing weddings. One big boost to Americans going to Scotland is Icelandair. About 5 1/2 hours to Reykjavik (sp) from Minneapolis with a 1.5 hour layover and another hour and a half to Glasgow. And at a price much less than Northwest which gives you a connection at Toronto or Amsterdam, maybe London. Icelandair fed us twice on the return trip. Icelandair has high criteria for cabin attendants, brains, too. The security hassle isn't too bad at terminals. Just don't take any forbidden stuff and there are lists available. Camera film bags are reasonable but they warn that they are not for luggage as the xrays there are set far higher than at the walkthroughs. Tiny bottles of wine on Icelandair are $3. One discouragement this year was the Sunday service at Drum. Bishop Darwent was ill. Ray Erwin We can also count on a fascinating report from Ray. Many thanks. Semper Fi. If you have coming events, news, or announcements you would like included in future issues, please send the information to us and we will publish in the next issue. Our deadline for the first of the month issue is the 27th of the previous month; the mid-month deadline is the 12th. Please let us know if you would like to be included in the reminder email that is sent out on the 20th of the month. Please feel free to forward this on to whomever you think might enjoy receiving it. As always, if you do not wish to continue receiving Scottish News in Minnesota and our mid-month reminders, go to www.tartandaymn.org, click on Scottish News in Minnesota, click on subscriptions page, and follow the directions for removing your email address from the mailing list. Barbara Humphrey "Babs" Scottish News in Minnesota is a publication of the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative and is published 12 times a year with 12 mid-month updates for total of 24 issues. It is intended solely for the information, interest and enjoyment of members of the Scottish community of Minnesota and the border Scots of Wisconsin as well as others of our Celtic friends. Notice: Beginning with our third year, Volume 3, No. 25 due to be published October 1, 2003, we will publish just once a month. It will add to the importance of getting your organization's information to me in a timely manner and well in advance of the dates of your events. Only a dire occurrence will justify a Special Edition. The pressures of the many activities your editor gets involved in make this change in publication frequency necessary. The current issue of Scottish News in Minnesota can be found on our new web site hosted by Clann Tartan: www.tartandaymn.org Click on "current issue." Scottish News in Minnesota is available in hard copy via USPS. Send your check in the amount of $7.50 (to cover postage and paper) for 12 issues (6 months) to Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative, 6324 Wentworth Ave So, Minneapolis MN 55423-1541. "Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thaining thu" Remember those from whom you are descended Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://host.dotservant.com/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20030817/48f65857/attachment-0001.htm