By ANNIE DOCKERY
The Belton Journal
The Salado Museum and College Park will host the 63rd Scottish Gather and Highland Games, November 8 – 10, at Thomas Arnold Elementary School, 575 Salado School Rd.
The Gathering honors the descendants of the settlers who came to central Texas with Empresario Sterling C. Robertson around 1825.
Lynette McCain-Jones, Executive Director, Salado Museum and College Park said, “When the museum opened in 1959, the founder, Lucile A. Robertson conceived a program to recognize the diverse nationalities that settled the Salado area, with the right of priority falling to those early Scots. On November 12, 1961, 40 clans attended the historic gathering.
“The descendants of the Robertson family are still involved in the museum and the gathering. It makes for a special event when the sixth generation of the family is still involved in the organization.”
The festive 3-day event will begin with A Lecture in Word and Music by Colin MacLeod and Scottish singer and folklorist, Ed Miller on Friday. Rounding out the evening will feature Calling of the Clans Torchlight Ceremony and Welcome Social with Light Buffet Dinner (Ticketed Event).
Saturday’s festivities include the official opening of the Gathering and Parade of the Bands and Clans, Clan Tents, Scottish Highland Games, Pipe and Drum Competitions, Live Celtic Music, and Celtic Marketplace. Other, not to be missed events, are the Shortbread contest, Bonniest knees contest, Faerie Tea Party, and Tartan Dinner (Advanced reservations required).
“There is plenty to see all day, but if they want to watch the parade, which starts at Pace Park Road and Main Street then progresses to the event along Thomas Arnold Road; please come early enough to find a place to watch. The parade starts at 12:00, so be in place no later than 11:45,” McCain-Jones said.
Concluding the celebration on Sunday are Kirkin’ o the Tartan traditional devotional service, Pipe Band Performances, Live Celtic Music, “Scottish Dress” Pet Parade and Contest, Clan Tents, Shopping, Food, Scottish Highland Games for Kids, Dog parade and contest, Keg Toss, Scottish Country Dancing, and Parade of Bands and Closing Ceremony.
“In addition to the competitions, there is an entertainment tent with fun-filled music all day,” McCain-Jones said. “There will be food vendors serving traditional Scottish food along with pizza, bar-b-que, funnel cakes and other sweet treats; plus Scottish merchandise selling jewelry, family history items, tartan clothing, tee shirts, horn cups, and many other unique Scottish themed products.”
The Gathering is the primary fundraiser for Salado Museum and College Park, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit saladomuseum.org.
“This is just my second year as director, and this is a sort of retirement job, but I cannot imagine doing anything else I would enjoy more,” said McCain-Jones. “It is special to see generations of families returning every year and listening to their stories. Sometimes I wish it lasted more than a weekend because there’s not enough time to talk to that many people.”
