My first Estes Park Festival:

[Livingston]

Jerry, sorry to miss you. I walked up to home plate right at noon and GMan came at it from the other direction at the same time. We were in the 3rd base dugout for about 30 or 40 minutes and kept watching for someone else. We did have one of our silent members join us and so did one of our younger members, Ian. I was in the Livingston tartan which is primarily red and as I looked at both dugouts, mine would have been the only red one.

BTW, you can always find me by stoping at the pipers hut and asking for Greg.

[fortcollinsjerry]

Jerry, sorry to miss you. I walked up to home plate right at noon and GMan came at it from the other direction at the same time. We were in the 3rd base dugout for about 30 or 40 minutes and kept watching for someone else. We did have one of our silent members join us and so did one of our younger members, Ian. I was in the Livingston tartan which is primarily red and as I looked at both dugouts, mine would have been the only red one.

BTW, you can always find me by stoping at the pipers hut and asking for Greg.

we were probably standing there looking at one another across the diamond. I never thought to cross over to ask. Sorry

[Nighthawk]

I waited until this point to even read this thread. It kills me to have to miss the festival- especially since two of my favorite bands (Brother and Angus Mohr) were there. And yes- you will see some rediculous outfits at these festivals. That's the great thing about this forum- we can actually learn how to dress ourselves! I still wear my kilt an inch longer than most people- but I have had more than one Scot tell me (vehemently!) that it doesn't matter, because I wear it with pride and respect in such a way that works well for my body, and I at least know the general conventions. I go to these festivals, and my good manners usually assert themselves right before I say things like "Would you like me to show you how to pleat that table cloth you're wearing?" All in all, though, they're always fun.

[BroosterB1]

"Aye, I see you're from the Picnic Sept of the Sanders Clan......."

[GMan]

I did notice a Kilt at the other dug out.

[wildrover]

Bummed I missed you guys, but I wasn't even there Saturday until the concerts...we figured we'd skip the rain and get some rest, since we were there Saturday for the ceilidh and came back Sunday morning for the pancake breakfast and my solo debut ...which went GREAT ...tho I forgot to introduce myself to Greg! Nerves will settle with time and experience, I guess.

There was a vendor selling dirks, sgians, and swords of some sort...I saw a few "wench" costumes (yes, costumes, sorry!) with a claymore sort of thing strapped across the back, and a lot of people with dirks. What did stand out to my eye was one gent with a Bowie-style blade hanging off his belt, and I thought it was a good look and lent a uniquely American feel to his outfit, as well as the simple fact that it appeared to be a real, useable, useful, knife as opposed to the ceremonial or costume blades I've seen...and certainly more utilitarian--what the heck are you gonna do with a dirk around a campfire, if there's no haggis in sight ?

I was also really happy to see a bunch of vendors who actually make the products they sell, and more than a few tents who were selling "genuine" stuff vs cheap imitations. The guys with the Scotshop (?), from Kentucky, had some really nice stuff, and gave me a great deal on a pair of off-white Aran hose, and the guy from Oklahoma (Renboots) made me a very solid kilt belt on the spot...he was next to the UtiliKilt guys.

If you like your music hard, fast, and lively, check out Angus Mohr, Town Pants, and Hadrian's Wall...those guys don't mess around!

So much more to talk about, but limited space...the tattoo on the 11th was very memorable and got me a bit leaky a few times...Isla St. Clair put on a great show in her tent as well as at the tattoo...and the Scots Guards guys have me considering taking up highland dancing again...

It was a good Games. If ya missed it, too bad, hopefully next year! Be seeing you guys there ...the solo piping comp was just the beginning of a very long journey .

-Sean

[Livingston]

Sean, did you see the guy running around on Sunday morning with the red based kilt and the white shirt at the piping competition? Bet you even talked with him at least once. That was me. I'm assuming you did one or both of the Grade 4 marches.