We always enjoy the Ohio Scottish Games.  It's much like being at a giant family reunion.  So many friends, relatives, and familiar faces.  In gossiping at the various areas, I found out who is getting married soon, who is 11 weeks into her next pregnancy, and who will not be with their current spouse at the next festival. The Highland Cattle folk will have eleven new foals this year, and friends with vintage cars were happy to show off their vehicles. I got a chance to hug our lovely Ann and Mary - two of the Walsh girls who competed in the dancing.  We've known and loved them since they were born.  Happily we fed them cupcakes and cookies. They giggled and laughed and talked about their joys and teen-aged problems. 

Jack Robertson played the pipes for us, while Joan played the fiddle.  What a joy to have them around. They entertained throughout the clan area and at the Gaelic Mod banquet in Oberlin afterward.  When I heard “Jingle Bells” being played on the bagpipes, I knew they were entertaining Clan Claus. (Yes, that Claus.) And incidentally, Clan Claus won Best Clan Tent award.  As someone said, "Who can compete with Santa Claus?"

Many folks stopped by our Genealogy section to share tidbits about their family history. Some were fascinating and some we took with a grain of salt, but hopefully a believing smile. (I really can't quite imagine he could trace his family history directly back to the 1st century.)  Himself held the less than two month old daughter of Elisa and Hector Torres. Baby Seline is the youngest member of our Scottish American family.  (She was born just a few days before the Beltane.)   It was an adorable sight to see him smiling down at that baby and a delight for all of us that they allowed us to enjoy their precious gift.

Many thanks to all who helped with the Genealogy Table and the Hospitality section.  Especially:  Gene & Betty Marcus, Ann & Bill Heflin, David and Dianne Allison, Nancy Haggard Davis, Jack & Joan Robertson, and Himself, Jim Frost. 

So, our long weekend is over. The Thursday golf outing has finished and Beaton Family can relax for another year  The barbecue dinner, concert, and Ceilidh on Friday is a happy memory.  Bill Kennedy introduced the clans with a bit of history and a flourish. The "Grand March" got nearly everyone on their feet. Gone are the hordes of people who invaded the fairgrounds on Saturday. The food vendors were certainly creative. I'm still trying to figure out what a Scottish taco is. ( I didn't dare try it.)  Many watched their children playing on the inflatables and competing in the Children's Games, supervised by the intrepid David Macgregor. In honor of the new film “Brave” - a Prince and Princess were chosen. Some of the prizes were furnished by the Disney folks who were present. (The red wig on Reid Kennedy was memorable.) 

After everyone had gone home, we went to the Gaelic Mod Awards banquet and enjoyed the food and the Ceilidh.  We decided to pack up our camper at Midnight and depart. The excitement was past, the Jaguar had left, and we were anxious to get home. All that is left now is to begin plans for next year. The festival is over, but the memories will warm our hearts for a long time.

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