The Ligonier Highland Games |
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Ligonier, PA |
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| Failtè! These Highland Games were a lot of fun, especially because it was Clan Leslie Society's Biennial Gathering and I had the opportunity to meet about 70 kinsmen and kinswomen! It was very exciting! My family and I (including my parents - I was happy that they were able to attend with us) arrived at Four Seasons, the resort we stayed at, around 3pm. It was a five hour drive, but not as long as we originally anticipated. We had dinner at the resort with a friend I met over the Internet, Tim Leslie. He's from Texas and had traveled alone; his wife and son stayed home. It was very nice to meet Tim and we had a great time getting acquainted. Saturday morning dawned misty and gray but that didn't deter the Games or our arrival at the Games site in Ligonier. My anticipation was building as we scouted around for the Leslie Tent. Once we found the Clan area, Leslie was very easy to spot! There were many people gathered around, all wearing Leslie paraphernalia: kilts, ties, t-shirts! I've never seen so many Leslie's in one spot! I could hardly contain my excitement! Everyone was so nice and there were many representatives from many States. William Leslie, our Chieftain, was the only Canadian to attend, as far as I know. Thom Moore, my new friend and CLS's newly appointed Piper, won two events in the Piping events at the Games. He looked very handsome in his full Highland regalia. Saturday night was our banquet at the resort. It was wonderful. Everyone was dressed up and looked great. Thom piped everyone into the restaurant. I was able to meet Thom's lovely wife, Liz, and we chatted during the cocktail hour. During the banquet we many kinds of entertainment: Bagpipes (by none-other than Thom Moore and our Commissioner, Bob Leslie), Celtic Dancers, a Fiddler, and a Celtic Singer. The entire audience love all these performances. When the evening came to an end, I was sorry it was over with; I totally enjoyed myself. Sunday morning we had our Society meeting where we discussed items that had occurred during the year. New officers for 2001-2002 we announced and I am proud to say that I had been elected as Secretary/Registrar. I hope I'm up to the task! The next Biennial Gathering for the CLS will be held in 2002 at Orillia, Ontario, Canada, the very first Biennial Gathering to take place in Canada. I'm looking forward to going! The Earl and Lady Rothes will be in attendence as well as distant relatives of "my" line of Leslies! Very exciting stuff! | |
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This is the Clan Leslie Society's tent at the Ligonier Games. Far Left is
Margaret Brown, who runs this tent every year. Far right is Reuben Leslie,
Jr. from Texas. |
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We had the pleasure of listening to Bob Leslie, our CLS Commissioner, and Thom Moore, our CLS Piper, play some tunes during our Biennial Banquet. |
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Anne Leslie fiddles as Drew, my son (far right) looks on. Drew was captivated by her fiddling! Anne was fantastic and also played at our Banquet. |
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Our table at the banquet: Wayne, Sara, Drew, myself, Barbara & Harold Wilcox, Mr & Mrs Blaine Winslow, of Utah. |
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Tim Leslie, of Texas, and myself. Tim and I met through the internet when Tim began his research on his Leslie branch. He's a great guy and I'm glad to have finally met him in person. |
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The Leslies line up for the parade at the 2000 Ligonier Games. |
| Great Places to Visit | ||
| East of Hebrides | The Gathering of the Clans | Electric Scotland |
@2002