Clan Information

Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival
2021 COVID Clan Challenge

It’s been said that the Scots are somewhat … what’s the word … FRUGAL, yeah that’s it. And with the recent pandemic, many have had to become even more frugal as the world seemed to run out of all the most basic necessities: things like toilet paper, haggis, and even (heaven forbid) whisky. Of course, we always knew there would never be any shortage of politicians to point their fingers and lay down the blame for it. Nevertheless, we kept calm and carried on.
(And I’m still “carrying on” to this very day)

Each year, I get reminded that it becomes more and more expensive for clans to participate in the Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival; and I’m sure it’s not going to be any better in 2021. We Scots have had to find a way to tighten our belts and stretch our budgets a lot further, as people have lost incomes and their savings due to this accursed pandemic.

As the Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival moves back to its old stomping grounds at the Thomas Point Beach and Campground in Brunswick, the area for the clan village will be somewhat smaller and will necessitate some frugality on the part of the clans. Gone is the area directly behind the tents, where clans parked their cars, as is the private entrance that allowed them to slip in and out without any traffic issues. I will be coming up with some alternatives to help clans get their tents and other items to their site but will be looking for cooperation from everyone. In lieu of a formal clan dinner, for the past several years we have also offered a “free to the public” Céilidh on the Friday night before the Games.

So, here’s the challenge. I would like ALL clans to help us make this the best Games ever, and I’m willing to put my money (or at least the Society’s money) where my mouth is.

The conditions for the challenge are as follows:

1. Have your clan tent set up and ready no later than 6:00 PM on Friday, August 20. This will help alleviate issues of vehicles on the walking paths during the Games.
   
2. Join us and participate in the Friday night Céilidh. It’s a great way to get to know people in a fun and informal manner, and you might learn about a few in-laws (as well as outlaws) your clan never knew it had.
   
3. Be in your tent and ready to go on Saturday, August 21, no later than 7:45 AM. This will also help with vehicle issues.
   
4. Actively participate in the Parade of Clans, which clans already do anyway.
   
5. Keep your tent open and active until the end of the closing ceremonies at 5:00 PM, and allow time for the crowds to disperse before bringing your vehicle up to load it.

So, what do the clans get for all of this? If your clan meets ALL of the conditions listed above, at the end of the event, I will refund your 2021 clan fee (up to $50.00), with cash money in hand. I look at that refund as a great investment to alleviate several issues we face, and it’s a windfall for many clans, as some reps must take the money out of their own pockets to participate.

Are you up for the challenge?

Email me at SASME-ClanSecretary@outlook.com
or call me at 833-MHG-CLAN (833-644-2526)
to let me know what you think of the idea?

If this works out well in 2021, it might become a regular clan thing. I’m also considering replacing the t-shirts (as having lots of size choices makes ordering difficult), and substituting them with another item, such as a MHG customized tote bag, a whisky flask, camp chairs, or other such goodies. I can get a much better price if I don’t have to customize sizes, but just set the logo. Let me know what you think of this idea as well.

Now, is your clan ready to join us at the 2021 Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival?

If so, fill out the REGISTRATION FORM and we’ll see you in August.

Just want to be on the mailing list for now? Fill out our CLAN INFORMATION FORM.