Clan tent suggestions needed

[Stan]

Hi every one, I'm wanting to see about putting together the materials and items needed to have a nice clan tent.

I'm here in the Tulsa Oklahoma area, am (to the best of my knowledge) only one of two members of clan Gregor in the area, and would like to see about putting together a nice clan Gregor tent together for our local (Tulsa) September Scotfest event. http://okscotfest.com/

I'm new to the game, and having only been to one or two clan tents (ever) I'm needing suggestions as what I will need to have a nice (and welcoming) clan tent, and any other suggestions that you all might have about what a good clan tent is, and what I will need to make it that way.

All comments appreciated.

[Rick Y]

Hi Stan,
Many of the games want a first time tent convener to show them something that says he/she is allowed to represent the clan so you might want to see about that but that is usually no problem as the clan is happy to have a responsible representative at the games.

It's nice to have a large piece of the clan tartan(s) and a map showing the primary locations of the clan. Books of tartans and surnames allow you to help people find the clan that is most closely related to their surname.

We have handouts of a quick clan history, a humorous handout (Wha's a Sassennach?), and, of course, applications to join the clan society. We also have a 18" by 21" embroidered clan crest that is displayed inside a protective frame. If you can get access to items relevant to your clan history then that is great to display but you will want to watch them to make sure they stay with you! Swords, lances, and such are popular with the kids from 5 to 90 but make sure any sharp blades are protected.

We like to have a jar filled with white and blue jellybeans of different sizes and people can guess the quantity. At end of day closest guesser without going over gets the candy. Ties are are compared for time of guess and earliest guesser wins.

We also have cold bottles of water and home-made scones but that is kept in the back, out of sight, and is offered only to those showing an interest in joining the clan society (I'm not made out of money so I'm NOT feeding everyone!! )

We fly the St Andrew flag and the USA flag and that adds some nice color to the tent. A big banner up high helps people to find you.

If you can't wear a clan kilt, you should have a t-shirt or polo shirt with the clan crest. Know your clan history, your chief's name and such, and perhaps some famous members of your clan, both historical and modern. Be friendly and greet people before they greet you.

Make friends with the tents beside you and be willing to watch their tent if they are solo so they can take necessary breaks and they will do the same for you.

I'm sure others will have more and probably better suggestions. Have fun.

[Stan]

All great suggestions, and thanks for the help....

[Chas]

Hi Stan,

As you know, because of Clan Gregor/Macgregor history, many clansmen changed their names to save their lives. Later, when it was safe, many did not change back. I think it would pay dividends to research a list of all possible name changes.

A sign saying -

"Is your name XXXX - You could be a MacGregor!"

will certainly bring responses.

My next thought is more practical. You will probably be stuck in your tent all day talking. Have a supply of throat soothing lozenges close to hand. You probably won't have time for a meal, so make lots of bite sized snacks to keep you refuelled. Likewise, hydration - vitally important.

Business cards - print your own or get them printed. Mine are one sided and have the XMarks url as well as my email address.

Take pictures - 1,000s of pictures! Digital cameras are cheap now-a-days. So are memory cards. Fresh batteries, plus spares. Give the camera to a young teen and tell him/her to record everything on the day (starting and ending at home), especially everybody who visits your tent (extra pics of all those wearing tartan). A record of what you did that day will be invaluable in years to come.

Have a guest-book and invite people to sign. Ask for email address. If they give it, follow up with regular greetings on Burns Night, St Andrews Day, Tartan Day, Clan Gregor Day and all the rest.

Have a water bowl on the ground, with a sign "Hot Dog Refuelling Station" - people remember kindness.

If you can, organise a follow-up, low key, event later on in the year and invite all possibles to attend.

[Stan]

ALL great, creative, and note worthy suggestions Chas. Thanks a lot.I'm making a list......

I did a Google search on "Scottish clan tents" and on page 3 (i think) I found a link to an Xmarks posting regarding the subject that I couldn't seem to find in my initial Xmarks search. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...80/index2.html.

[ctbuchanan]

Here is a view of our Clan Tent. I also sent you a PM with some ideas.

[Jack Daw]

In addition to the good suggestions noted above, I would also bring snacks, a bottle or two of Purell hand sanitizer, and some toilet paper.

Also, somewhere along the line, if you decide you would like to march in the clan parades, I would get a clan banner or purchase some MacGregor tartan and have it made into a banner.

[Stan]

Great suggestions, Jack, and David, and Dave thanks for your P.M. and the photo of your clan tent. So far very few duplications in suggestions, and all great ones. I'm suspect that on our TuslaScot's tartan day get together (4/6) I'll have a chat with my (only one that I know of) MacGregor clan member and discuss all that I've learned.

When attending the Tulsa Scot's club, St Patrick's day event, I mentioned the possibility of a clan tent at the next OKScotfest, to hi, and he was all for it. So... I could have some help on this deal. I've sent an email to Clan Gregor to see what kind of permission (or ??) that I might need to have a clan Gregor tent, and am looking forward to a reply. Here in Oklahoma, my nearest (Scottish, not American) Clan Gregor rep is in Stone Mountain GA.

Question:
Seeing as the spaces are 10 X10, ($50.00 rental) Do you all recommend buying a canopy ($50.00 on eBay with sides) or (and in order to prevent storage, and set up) just going ahead and rent a "tent" with the space? $50.00 for space + $50.00 for (one time) rental, or $50.00 space rent + 50.00 one time BUY cost.

I think that with the $50.00 rental, and $50.00 to purchase (in the question) I probably answered my own question, but I'm still interested in your opinions on the matter.

Thanks

Stan L.

[ctbuchanan]

Some things to consider on the tent rent/buy:
How often do you expect to convene a tent - once a year at just this event?
How are you transporting your kit - I have a Suburban with a box on top and I fill it full - so will you have room for the tent?
How much do you want to customize your kit - if you are renting tents you don't always know the set up or how you will hang your displays etc. If you have your own tent you can set things up the way to want knowing the next time will be the same.
Tents like an e-z up or similar will run you more that $50 but will last longer and stand up to the weather better. But beware; your enemy isn't rain it is wind so always tie down your tent as securely as possible and be ready for the worst.

[HippieLee]

Here is a view of our Clan Tent. I also sent you a PM with some ideas.

I might be biased but that's a fantastic display!