Queen Mary Scottish Festival

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:11 AM

And now the entrance of the clans! I apologize in advance for not being able to list each of them here. I tried to get pictures of all their banners, but it just wasn't possible and some had none.

Clan Donald

Clan Armstrong

Clan Chattan

Clan Donnachaidh

Clan Douglas

Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band

Clan Fergusson

Clan Gordon (notice the Utilikilts)

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:12 AM

Clan Gregor

Clan Gunn

Clan Lamont

Clans MacDougal, MacDuff, MacFarlane

Clan MacLaine

Clan MacNeil

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:15 AM

After the clans and all the bands were dismissed, the way was cleared for the Gordon Regiment battle re-enactment. These two guns were VERY LOUD!

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:16 AM

A couple hours later, we went to watch the Grade IV pipe band competition.
Glendora High School

Nicholson Pipe and Drum Band

University of CA, Riverside Pipe Band

(can't remember the name)

Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band

Bushmill's Distillery

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:18 AM

Sorry, this post didn't save the first time:

Clan MacPherson

Tribe of Mar, Clans Moffet, Ross

Clan Scott

Clan Stewart

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:19 AM

From there, we moved on to the Scottish Highland Country Dancing display. It was fun to see the form, grace, and excellent cardio required for this style.

The end of the day saw us at the "Men of Worth" concert. These are two hysterical guys using string instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, etc.) and hand drums.

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 10:20 AM

And that was Saturday February 17, 2007 at the Queen Mary Scottish Festival! We had a great time and I bought my wife her first piece of tartan. In four weeks she will have a new shawl in the California modern tartan and we picked up a broach for her from the same shop I got my kilt at.
Great day!

**starbkjrus** · 18th February 07, 11:08 AM

Looks like a lot of fun AND good weather. Thanks for the piccies.

**IEScotsman** · 18th February 07, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by starbkjrus

Looks like a lot of fun AND good weather. Thanks for the piccies.

That was an interesting story from the day. Apparently, one man has overseen the Queen Mary and the RMS Foundation since it arrived in Long Beach. This was the first Scottish Festival he could remember in the 14 year history of the event that there was no threat of rain.

Ironically, this great weather ushered in his retirement. After 40 years, he will be retiring as CEO from the Queen Mary and the Foundation. Quite a bit of history!

**Yaish** · 18th February 07, 07:06 PM

I have to say I was terribly disappointed in the QM this year. The outside layout was changed from the last several years due to the presence of a haunted maze in the outside area. Most of the vendors that are normally outside just were not there at all. There seemed to be only one place to buy food, down in the ship itself and it didnt look all that good either.

The clans had a lot of space, that was one of the high points, but the vendors inside seemed spare as well. I never even found a place selling Flake! (Flake is just awesome chocolate candy they sell in the UK)

With parking and two tickets I spent $50.00 before I even saw the first kilt. Also, because of circumstances beyond their control there were no athletics this year. Normally I compete which I couldnt this year, but I also like watching the competitions as well.

All in all the best time I had was at the gift shop for the russian sub parked next door. I plan on writing a letter to the organizers letting them know of my disappointment.