My first was at the KC Highland Games, and that was a nice, safe, easy way to break in.

My first non-Scottish venue was Target after a St. Andrew Society meeting. SWK standard Night Stalker, gray polo, scrunched hose and boots. My kids were with me, both of whom are fine with Dad in a kilt. That always helps, having people with you who are comfortable with it, too. When we got in the car, my oldest commented that I really didn't seem to get too many weird looks and that women of a certain age (he guessed 30-40) really seemed to like it.

If you ever really want to know how positive people are about it, have a friend follow 10 paces behind. He or she will hear all the comments, good, bad and otherwise, and I promise the positive comments will far outnumber the negatives.