From BabsFayth at aol.com Sat Jul 1 16:37:56 2006 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2006 16:37:56 EDT Subject: [Scottish News] Scottish News in Minnesota! Vol. 6, No. 57, July 01, 2006 Message-ID: <51d.2a04e70.31d83724@aol.com> Hello Everyone, Greetings from The District (_www.ridistrict.com/_ (http://www.ridistrict.com/) )in beautiful downtown Rock Island, Illinois, where it is already 83 steamy degrees at not quite 11 o'clock in the morning (3:00 p.m. - 93). The forecast says we are going for 92 by mid-afternoon. Yikes! As some of you know, I am in Rock Island to appear in the Circa 21 Dinner Theatre Playhouse (_www.circa21.com_ (http://www.circa21.com/) ) production of On Golden Pond reprising the role of Ethel Thayer that I was privileged to play in the national tour some years ago. We opened last night and our audience was very generous with their applause, laughter, and positive comments. Should your travels bring you to this part of the U. S. A. this summer, please come by and see the show, we are here until September 2. TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY! ! ! Our own Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games opens for the Third Annual Celebration of our Scottish Heritage with Highland Dancing, Pipe Bands, Heavy Athletics, Vendors of Scottish foods and goods, Scottish Societies, Clans, all in one place for one day ? July 15. This is a DO NOT MISS event for everyone with Scotland in their blood and/or in their hearts. Let's double ? oh shoot ? let's triple last year's gate. Bring your friends, neighbors, rellies ? every single person you know will love the Minnesota Scottish Fair. The Fair board tells me there will be lots of tents to provide shade and viewing of the many events that are planned. This year the Parade of Tartans becomes the Parade of Scots open to everyone wishing to show their Scottish pride. Details on some special events can be found in the space below. For ticket information check the web site: _www.mnscottishfair.org_ (http://www.mnscottishfair.org/) . To all our dear friends north of the border, Happy Canada Day! Since many of our Scottish ancestors came to Minnesota through Canada we feel a special kinship with you. And Happy Fourth of July, everyone. Try this for nice, safe (and fun) fireworks: _http://www.maylin.net/Fireworks.html_ (http://www.maylin.net/Fireworks.html) And now, on to the events ahead for July, news, and announcements of interest: COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. July, 8, 2006, Saturday, Barra Band, Irish Music Event 2. July 15, 2006, Saturday, THIRD ANNUAL MN SCOTTISH FAIR AND HIGHLAND GAMES 3. July 19, 2006, Wednesday, Barra Band, Irish Music Event 4. July 18 - 23, 2006, Festival of Cultures, Bay Front Park, Duluth, MN _http://www.duluthfestivalofcultures.com/_ (http://www.duluthfestivalofcultures.com/) 5. Augst 1, 2006, Tuesday, Barra Band, National Night Out AWAY GAMES NEW 1. August 11 - 13, 2006, Minnesota Irish Fair, Harriet Island, St. Paul, MN http://www.irishfair.com/ 2. August 26, 2006, Celtic Highland Games of the Quad Cities, Davenport IA http://www.celtichighlandgames.org/ 3. September 1-3, 2006, Wisconsin Highland Games & Celtic Fling, West Allis, WI http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/games.html 4. List of all Games and other great information from Ray Erwin www.usscots.com ON GOING EVENTS ? For details scroll down the page 1. Clann Tartan, Night at the Pub is the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Well, Pub Night is roving at the moment... Best to check with Bruce Yoder at bruceyoder at juno.com. He's our appointed "taster"! 2. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing weekly. 3. Twin Cities Scottish Club ? Summer Schedule Ceilidh dancing WILL CONTINUE. Most Fridays. 4. Clann Tartan Sword Guild, meets the 3rd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center - contact Marty for information - twolodge at yahoo.com and learn how to swing that sword! 5. Wear a Kilt get a FREE PINT 6. The Twin Cities Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society classes on hiatus for the summer. (see information below) FUTURE DATES - Additional Information in Future Issues. Mark your calendars now. 1. September 17, 2006, Sunday, Duluth Scottish Heritage Assn., Remembrance Day, 1:30 p.m. Forest Hill Cemetery, Reception following. 2. November 19, 2006, Sunday, Duluth Scottish Heritage Assn., Kirkin' o' the Tartan and High Tea, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 5:00 p.m. 3. January 27, 2007, Saturday, DSHA, Burns Night Dinner, Kitchi Gammi Club ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games NEWS! ! ! 2. Clan Gordon piper to honor 9/11 3. MCSC seeks nominations 4. A Song for Scotland Results coming TODAY 5. Jamestown Live, 400th Anniversary. 6. Ever wonder what time it is in Asuncion? 7. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links ? still the best NEWS 1. Clan Shaw commissioner weds in Scots/Dutch ceremony. 2. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band 3. St. Andrew's Society women meet regularly for lunch ? next date, July 24, 2006 4. DSHA News COMING EVENTS ? DETAILS 1. July 8, 2006, Saturday, Barra Band, Irish Music Event _Worthington International Festival_ (http://www.wgtn.net/Festival/schedule.htm) (http://www.wgtn.net/Festival/schedule.htm) 12:30 pm to 1:30 Nobles County Government Plaza in Downtown Worthington Free Barra and guest dancers Honor and Orla Heymann will perform at the Worthington International Festival on Saturday, July 8, 2006, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Nobles County Courthouse in downtown Worthington, Minnesota. The festival celebrates the many different cultures found in the Worthington area and is sponsored by the Cultural Awareness Organization with funding from area businesses. Hosted by the Worthington Area Convention and Visitor Bureau and the Worthington Chamber of Commerce, the festival is free and open to the public. 2. July 15, 2006, Saturday, THIRD ANNUAL MN SCOTTISH FAIR AND HIGHLAND GAMES You know where you need to be: Dakota County Fair Grounds, Farmington Minnesota You know when you have to be there: 9:00 a.m. ? 5:30 p.m. You know what to pay to get in the gates: $5 if you're a kid, $10 if you are a senior, $15 for everybody else. (The more paid persons through the gate, the better the chance the fair will be a financial success.) You know WHY: To celebrate and participate in Scottish culture and heritage. BE PROUD ? BE THERE! 3. July 19, 2006, Wednesday, Barra Band, Irish Music Event The Macalester College Neighborhood Summer Party 6:30 to 8:30 Macalester College, St. Paul Celtic music by Barra will be the featured entertainment for the Annual Macalester Summer Party on Wednesday, July 19th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The public is welcome to join college neighbors on the Great Lawn on the Macalester campus for summery treats, face painting, live music and fun. The Macalester Summer Party is hosted by the college in appreciation of its neighbors and celebrating its great urban environment. _The Eddies_ (http://www.eddiesontheriver.com/) , a local singing group, will make a brief appearance with Barra during the event. 4. July 18-23, 2006, Festival of Cultures, Bay Front Park, Duluth, MN _http://www.duluthfestivalofcultures.com/_ (http://www.duluthfestivalofcultures.com/) The Festival of Cultures, formerly the International Folk Festival has expanded its program to include a parade of nations, films, along with ethnic entertainment and food. In its second year at the Bayfront Park, the Festival has expanded greatly from its days a Leif Erickson Park. No more vendors on the hot asphalt of London Road. Hurray! DSHA will not be having a booth at the Festival of Cultures; neither will the band be playing. Still not certain if the dancers will participate. 5. August 1, 2006, Tuesday, Barra Band, Irish Music Event _National Night Out_ (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/nno/) (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/nno/) Mounds Park, St. Paul Free 7 pm to 8 pm Additional artists TBA. ON GOING EVENTS (We have checked these events and to the best of our knowledge, they are "okay." Still wouldn't hurt to check before you go.) 1. Clann Tartan, Night at the Pub is the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Well, Pub Night is roving at the moment... Best to check with Bruce Yoder at bruceyoder at juno.com. He's our appointed "taster"! 2. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing weekly. Dance regains it's normal schedule of the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at a new site - Lake Hiawatha Community Center in Minneapolis, time is still 7 PM. the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays it's still at St. Christopher's in Roseville - contact Julie at julieyoder at juno.com or Mary at Mairi2 at juno.com for details. 3. Twin Cities Scottish Club ?Summer Schedule Ceilidh dancing WILL CONTINUE every other Friday. The Twin Cities Scottish Club's traditional Ceilidh Dancing on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. at Providence Place, 23rd Avenue and 38th Street in South Minneapolis (Where the old Nile Theatre once was.) WILL CONTINUE every other Friday. If you don't get the email reminder, please let the Stewarts know you are coming by leaving a message for them at 612-824-6514. If you would like the weekly reminder emailed to you send a note to thetcsc at hotmail.com. PLEASE NOTE: Be sure you check to determine dancing will be held before you travel to the Providence. 4. Clann Tartan Sword Guild meets the 3rd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center - contact Marty for information - twolodge at yahoo.com and learn how to swing that sword! 5. Wear a Kilt Get a FREE PINT. Our good friend Joseph Croft, he of the Celtic Croft sends this bit of information to gladden the hearts of Scots everywhere: The last Saturday of every month is Kilt Night! Keegan's Pub (http://www.keeganspub.com/)in Minneapolis (owned and operated by our friends, Terry and Virginia Keegan). Wear your kilt and get a FREE pint of Guinness! Woo Hoo! Two of our favorite words in one sentence ? Free and pint. 6. The Twin Cities Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Twin Cities Branch Monday night general and twice-monthly basics classes will be going on hiatus until next September. We will be hosting some informal social dancing on some Monday nights in June. Keep an eye on http://www.rscds-twincities.org/events.html for details. You will find us at the Scottish Fair on July 15th, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival on weekends in August and September. Contact our secretary, Janet McKernan, jmckern at cems.umn.edu, or call Lara Friedman-Shedlov at 612.874.8299 ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games NEWS ! ! ! Ticket news from Don Cogswell. . . Please remind everyone that General Admission Tickets for the Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games, can be purchased at the gate for $15. See web site for more information: _www.mnscottishfair.org_ (http://www.mnscottishfair.org/) Piping News from Michael McCoy I would like to request if there are any folks interested in volunteering to be a steward for either solo piping/drumming (~2 hrs in the morning) or the pipe band competition (~2 hrs in the afternoon) to contact me at mmc_1963 at comcast.net. The success of the Highland Games depends on the work of many volunteers and we appreciate any interest. Each volunteer receives a free entry pass, and the ability to push pipers and drummers around with relative impunity! Thanks for your consideration. Michael McCoy If you?re interested in volunteering please contact Michael McCoy at _mmc_1963 at comcast.net_ (mailto:mmc_1963 at comcast.net) or 612 281 9539. Brochures and posters - Liz Michaelson says, "We have thousands of Scottish Fair brochures. If people are interested in mailing them to their friends, family, etc. I can mail a supply (max 100) to them. Just have them e-mail me with the quantity wanted and where they should be sent. _liz at uncommongatherings.com_ (mailto:liz at uncommongatherings.com) DO IT TODAY, TIME IS RUNNING OUT. Posters are available as well, for those contact Don Cogswell at _dcogswell at mnscottishfair.org_ (mailto:dcogswell at mnscottishfair.org) Local celebrity to announce the Parade of Scots and Calling of the Clans. We are excited to announce that local actor, producer, entrepreneur, and raconteur Jim Cunningham has accepted our invitation to announce the Parade of Scots. Jim is well known to Minnesotans for his long running role as Tony in the Hey City Stage production of Tony and Tina's Wedding. You may also have seen him on your TV screen in National Camera commercials, and at the Renaissance Festival where he hosted what is now called the Feast of Fantasy for years. Jim is also the Artistic Director of the Actors' Theatre of Minnesota (_www.actorstheaterofminnesota.org/index.htm_ (http://www.actorstheaterofminnesota .org/index.htm) ) whose current production is We Gotta Bingo (_http://wegottabingo.com/_ (http://wegottabingo.com/) ) We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games. He'll be the fella in the gorgeous Black Watch kilt. Parade of Scots ? All those wishing to participate in the Parade of Scots (formerly the Parade of Tartans) should contact Jonathon Palmer at _jhpalmerjp at aol.com_ (mailto:jhpalmerjp at aol.com) . Everyone is welcome to participate: clans, Scottish Societies, dance groups; let's show the state of Minnesota our united Scottish Community SPECIAL EVENTS WORTH NOTING ? For the first time, The SNIM, yes that very document you are holding right now, or rather are reading right now, will have it's very own tent at the MN Fair. None other than Jack A. Barker, designer of the National Authorized Official (How do you like that for a mouthful?) Tartan Day buttons will be holding down the fort. And he will have for sale (or for a $1 donation if you prefer) the 2007 Tartan Day button, hot off the presses. Stop by, be the first on your block to get your 2007 button and sign your friends and family up for a subscription to the SNIM. Others you may meet at the SNIM tent will be Jack's sister SaDee Soderlind and his nephew Alex Campbell. FIRST TIME VENDORS, and SNIM subscribers Julie Bowman and her dad Charlie Bradley, will host a vendor tent called Mythical Creations. They will be selling Julie's soft sculpture and stuffed animals including Dragons and various size Nessies. Charlie will be selling Scroll Saw art, including Celtic Crosses both Scottish and Irish. They will have some Welsh stuff too. Stop by and give them a looksee. Question? ? How many people can you bring to the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games? Answer ? GAZILLIONS! 2. Clan Gordon piper to honor 9/11 Michael Hilden, Clan Gordon piper, will be standing silent vigil at a tent sponsored by the World Trade Center Traveling Memorial for the next five days at Taste of Minnesota being held at Harriet Island in St. Paul. Located facing the WCCO stage, just next to the police tent. World Trade Center Traveling Memorial. On this, the 5th Anniversary, Let us not forget. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by Bridges of Saint Paul, Memorial Welcome and Opening Friday, June 30th at 11 a.m. ? Minnesota Police Pipe Band ? Missing Man Formation brought to you by Allianz Insurance ? Taps by Sgt. Tony Hunter Presented by Saint Paul Port Authority For additional information: _http://www.tasteofmn.org/events.html_ (http://www.tasteofmn.org/events.html) 3. MCSC seeks nominations Submitted by Lindie Wessling, Secretary MCSC The Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans will be holding their quarterly meeting on October 14th 2006 at Christ Community Church in Maple Grove. We have held several meetings there in the past. This meeting is our official Election Meeting. We are in the process of taking nominations for the following positions on the Executive Board: President, Secretary, and Delegate at Large. These are two-year positions. Please contact someone on the nominating committee consisting of: Ardis Ivory (no email, 218-768-4056 home), Jack MacMillan (_jacmacm at aol.com_ (mailto:jacmacm at aol.com) , 952-994-3474 cell), or Ned Henry (_aliglen at aol.com_ (mailto:aliglen at aol.com) , 651-784-6228 home). Please email or phone them with your suggestions of good, interested persons for these positions. You may also talk to them at the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games. All members will be notified via separate email the directions to the church for the October meeting. The lunch will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the meeting starting about 12:00 noon. Please call or email Lindie Wessling, Secretary at 763-521-2632 or _lindiew at comcast.net_ (mailto:lindiew at comcast.net) for questions. Hope to see everyone there. 4. A Song for Scotland Decision coming TODAY >From Scottie's Snippets: Recently, First Minister Jack McConnell suggested that there should be a "public debate" on a future national anthem for Scotland. The subject had come to the fore (again) at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year when the Scottish gold medal winners were marked by "Scotland the Brave". At many sporting occasions in recent years, "Flower of Scotland" has been the norm. There are other contenders - and no outright winner. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has taken up the challenge and the audience at their Promenade Concerts and the orchestra will play five tunes for the audience to sing - Robert Burns' A Man's a Man for a' that and Scots Wha Hae!, the more modern Highland Cathedral, Scotland the Brave and the Corries' tune Flower of Scotland. Left off the list were two tunes which are sometimes suggested - Auld Lang Syne and Freedom Come All Ye. Between 11 and 30 June, the RSNO Web site will carry recordings of all five songs and will have an online vote on the site. The results will be announced live at the Last Night concert in Glasgow, on 1 July. See _http://rsno.org.uk/_ (http://rsno.org.uk/) The results were not known as we published today, so check out the web site to learn Scotland's National Anthem. 5. Jamestown Live, 400th Anniversary. Clark Scott of the National Clan Scott files this article of interest: I'm forwarding this to those who are teachers or who may know teachers and children who could benefit from participation in these activities. I hope you'll check the 400th anniversary website and go to the educational section... it's quite dynamic and hope some of your students can participate in the "Jamestown Live" teach-in on 9 Nov 06. You'll need to sign up soon. www.americas400thanniversary.org Jamestown Live! Bring Education to Life through a Free Web Event for 4th ? 11th Grades. Join teachers and students throughout the nation and the world online and at Jamestown for an interactive web cast on the significance of Jamestown, our nation's birthplace. November 9, 2006 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EST Live from Jamestown Register today to reserve your place in history. 6. Ever wonder what time it is in Asuncion? >From my fellow Tireean John Brake: >From the site below, you can set the clock to your timer and it automatically gives you the time all around the world in your time. PERSONAL TIME CLOCK http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ I checked out this site and it is fantastic. Time isn't the only information about a location the site offers. You want to know something about Asuncion besides the fact that it is the capital of Paraguay? Check out this web site. 7. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links ? Still the Best Rampant Scotland - the largest directory of Scottish links! http://www.RampantScotland.com Also with 2000+ illustrated feature articles! http://www.RampantScotland.com/features.htm NEWS 1. Clan Shaw commissioner weds in Scots/Dutch ceremony Lisa Erickson and Dennis Shaw were married on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at the Menomonie Alliance Church in Menomonie, WI. Pastor Jack Stimmel officiated. A reception and dance was held at Olde Town Menomonie. Their "Tartan and Tulips" wedding incorporated his Scottish and her Dutch family heritage. The bride wore a stunning white dress with red accents and carried red tulips wrapped with a ribbon containing wedding pictures from both families. Bagpiper Scot Catto of Menomonie led the bride and father down the aisle and during the ceremony, and the groom's mother presented her with a sash of the Shaw family tartan, which the groom pinned on her. The groom, and the men standing up with him, wore formal traditional Scottish attire including kilts. Menomonie's Serena O'Meara played the Celtic Harp at the reception. The dinner featured an authentically prepared Dutch entree and following the meal the bride and groom cut their cake with a Scottish Claymore sword. The couple was also honored to have Tom Lucas, President of the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans attend, and perform a kilt christening ceremony during the reception for the men wearing their kilts for the first time. The newlyweds honeymooned for 12 days in Scotland, France, and the Netherlands. They will reside in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Sincere congratulations to the happy couple from all their friends here in the Scottish community of Minnesota and the Border Scots in Wisconsin. For photos of the wedding and honeymoon go to: _www.dennisshaw.com/wedding_ (http://www.dennisshaw.com/wedding) 2. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band Sally Gordon files this report about MPPD activities and events: June 17th saw the band at the Illinois St. Andrew Society Highland Games, Chicago IL. The band placed second (we tied for first with thefinal place decided by ensemble) in our Grade 5 competition and our piping soloists did well; Joe Hawthorne took 1st place in Grade 1 March and Strathspey & Reel and 2nd in Grade 1 Hornpipe & Jig. (Editor's note: BRAVO!) Mark Lucas was 4th in Grade 2 March. Tom Hinrichsen was 2nd in Grade 3 March. Ewan Ferguson placed 5th in Grade 4 March and Klaus Hinrichsen was 3rd in Grade 4 Piobrach. (Congratulations to all the MPPD Pipers and Drummers.) July performance schedule includes June 30th ? A Taste of Minnesota Enjoy your Fourth of July with the Minnesota Police Pipe Band. July 4th -- Edina 4th of July Parade At 10:00 a.m. we?ll be right at the front of the Edina 4th of July parade. July 4th -- Excelsior 4th of July concert Then at 5:00 p.m. join us for a concert at the Excelsior/Lake Minnetonka 4th of July celebration. Rince Na Chroi, Irish Step Dancers will be there with us. Also coming up in July is the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games on July 15th. MPPB will be competing in the band competition and there's a full day of activity for everyone. parade. July 30th -- Glenwood Waterama Parade, Glenwood, MN _http://www.geocities.com/glenwoodwaterama/_ (http://www.geocities.com/glenwoodwaterama/) 3. St. Andrew's Society women meet regularly for lunch ? next time, July 24, 2006 July 24 St Andrew's Society members, past and present, will meet for lunch at the home of Sally Kerr Edstrom. This is an annual event that is open to all women of St. Andrews. However, Sally asks that your call or email her to let her know that you would like to attend. Her home number is 763-473-6137 or if you email her please put "St. Andrew's Lunch" in the subject line so she doesn't send you to the recycling bin ? _sievesal at aol.com_ (mailto:sievesal at aol.com) . 4. DSHA NEWS Courtesy of Ginny Johnson, Secretary (for life??) The DSHA Pipe band took part in the Renaissance Fair that took place in Twig in June. Several thousand people attended. People attending were very impressed with the entertainment and food and how the village was set up. The organizers taught some of the old games with participants sitting on hay bales. Lois Craig-Johnson takes over the chair as President of DSHA on July 1st (today). Best Wishes, Lois. There will be a winter dance competition at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. Dates to be announced later. Teresa Peterson will be the chairperson. Results from the June 24 Dance Competition will appear in next month's SNIM as some are still being verified. The largest turn out for the competition in recent memory with approximately 88 dancers participating. AND IN CLOSING If you have coming events, news, or announcements you would like included in future issues, please send the information to us (babsfayth at aol.com) and we will publish in the next issue. Our deadline for the first of the month issue is the 27th of the previous month. 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, 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 (or adding it if you aren?t currently receiving it directly). All the Best, "Babs" Barbara Humphrey Scottish News in Minnesota is a publication of the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative and is published 12 times a year. 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. "Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu" "Remember the men (or "those") from whom thou comest (or "from whom thou'rt descended")" Our sincere thanks to Kevin Myers for seeking out the proper Gaelic for this fine bit of historical challenge. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://tartandaymn.org/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20060701/220680e4/attachment-0001.htm From BabsFayth at aol.com Thu Jul 13 17:12:52 2006 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 17:12:52 EDT Subject: [Scottish News] Special Edition: Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games in TWO DAYS Message-ID: Hello Everyone Yes, indeed, the long awaited Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games will be upon us in just two (count 'em) two days. Yesterday, the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans distributed a very important extreme weather advisory to their membership and I have president Tom Lucas' permission to share it with our SNIM readers. If you are a member of MCSC you can skip down the page to news of the fair: How to Beat the Heat at the Scottish Fair The big day is almost here ? The Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games is this Saturday, July 15th from 9:00 to 5:30. The event is held rain or shine and, at this point, heat or more heat! In addition to wanting to encourage you to continue to promote the event with your members, family, friends and co-workers, we also want to support you in your decisions regarding your participation at the event due to weather concerns and your health and safety. It is very important to the MCSC board (and the editor and publisher of the SNIM)?as well as the board of the MSFHG?that this be a safe event. The weather will be a factor at this year?s event. With high temperatures possibly reaching 100 degrees or higher and dew points in the tropical range, there are health risks to consider. We support everyone in making responsible decisions regarding your health. We will most likely see a heat index advisory or warning on Saturday. It is in everyone?s best interest that you look out for yourself, followed closely by looking out for those around you. The elderly and young children are the most vulnerable. If you feel attending the fair or participating in all the events that you planned to is not in your best interest, you have no obligation to anyone at the MCSC or the MSFHG (or the SNIM). Many of us will be there trying to tough it out, crossing our fingers everything goes well. It would be tragic if any of our fellow Scots fell ill?or worse?due to the heat. If you see young children in strollers, offer them shade. If you see elderly people struggling in the heat invite them into the shade as well. Keep an eye out for one another. Here are some symptoms of health issues to be aware of: Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms* SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches can occur. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician. HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible with heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse can be thready and a normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting is also a sign. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lie down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Give/take sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention. HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106? F. or higher). Symptoms include hot dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, and possibly unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake. *Produced as a cooperative effort of NOAA?s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross. NOAA/PA 85001 for more information on heat related information visit this website - _www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/heat_wave.shtml_ () Surviving the Heat: Check with your doctor about medication. Some medications can make a person more vulnerable to the heat. Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing made of natural fibers like cotton. Slow down! Avoid strenuous activity, or perform strenuous tasks during the cooler parts of the day. Drink lots of water. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty, your body has been in need of water for a long while. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. They can make the effects of the heat worse instead of better. Alcohol actually dehydrates the body. Eat small, light meals and eat often. A heavy meal diverts blood to the stomach to aid digestion when it is needed at the skin's surface to help cool the body. Eat cool foods like popsicles to help lower your body's internal temperature. Check on friends. Report regularly to others about your own well being. Created from text found on the website for the Jefferson County Department of Health Birmingham, Alabama _www.jcdh.org/default.asp?ID=199_ () (If they don ?t know about heat who does?) There will be water available for purchase at various vendors, but it will be at a premium. Any additional liquids you can bring will be helpful for yourself and others. The Fair has not indicated that they plan to provide any water to participants, so it is up to us to take care of ourselves. A cooler full of just ice may also be helpful. One MCSC member has suggested using little plastic bags to make small ice packs and some gauze to wrap it on wrists, around your necks and behind the knees. A dishpan and some water can also be used to soak your feet with cool water and ice could be very helpful in keeping you cool, safe and comfortable. Above all else, be careful. We all want this to be an enjoyable, safe and positive event. We look forward to seeing you at the fair. ****************************************************************************** ******************** Sincere thanks to the good folks at MCSC for this vitally important information. A few things you might also consider: Bring a large umbrella (or any umbrella) to provide your own shade. Especially important for those of you participating in the Parade of Scots. Prolonged time in the sun can be hazardous to your health. (And also for those who will be watching the parade.) Take your time, there will be plenty of time to see everything. Take advantage of the shade tents the fair will have set up. Rest often. Tent owners: invite folks into your tent to get out of the sun. If you are bringing water, and we hope you are, bring lots of it. And perhaps small cups to offer water to tent patrons. Be watchful of folks who may be in trouble from the heat. Hopefully at least one person in your tent will have a cell phone. Be ready to call 911 if a situation becomes critical. Kilt wearers, you can leave the Prince Charlie at home and wear a cotton T shirt on top. The kilt police will have the day off. (You could even think about ditching the wool hose and ghillies for cotton socks and sneakers.) Comfort is the word. Remember the highest temperature ever recorded in Scotland was recorded 32.9 ?C (or about 90?F at Greycrook (Scottish Borders) on 9 August 2003. Most of all, be smart. Enjoy the fair, but not at risk to your health. We want you back next year. Your program, issued at the gates when you buy your tickets will have lots of information about start times of events of particular interest. We have been told that the Parade of Scots will begin about 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. Be prepared with umbrellas and portable water. The parade and the calling of the clans that will follow will take about 30 - 35 minutes. If you have not yet registered your clan with Jonathan Palmer, we suggest you do so right now. Email him at _jhpalmerjp at aol.com_ (mailto:jhpalmerjp at aol.com) Those with no clan or Scottish society connection who would like to participate are welcome to do so. You may join a group designated as "Unaffiliated Scots" and walk in the group led by a Saltire. Up here in the land of lutefisk and lefse, we have few Scottish events on our calendar that offer broad appeal to our community. Certainly along with the Scottish Ramble in February, the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games is a major event. We hope all good Scots in Minnesota, following the weather advisory information given above, will participate in this glorious event celebrating our Scottish Heritage. >From Mick McCoy of the Minnesota Police Pipe Band: Please join Minnesota Police Pipe Band at the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games, www.mnscottishfair.org, this Saturday, July 15th. It a wonderful day of all things Celtic held at the Dakota County Fair Grounds in Farmington, MN. The band will be competing in the early afternoon. The fair is still looking for volunteers to help on Saturday. You'll receive free admission in exchange for your work. Please contact Mick McCoy, _mmc_1963 at comcast.net_ (mailto:mmc_1963 at comcast.net) if you'd like to volunteer. And last but not least check the Fair web site for additional information: _http://www.mnscottishfair.org/_ (http://www.mnscottishfair.org/) Note: The problem that existed on the web site has been corrected and you can visit with impunity. If you still get the warning, click your refresh buttons and it will go away. Don't forget to visit the SNIM tent to get your 2007 Tartan Day button from the designer of Tartan Day buttons 2001-2007, Jack A. Barker. Thanks, Everyone, and have a great Scottish Fair. Babs Barbara Humphrey Scottish News in Minnesota -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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