Dear fellow Caledonians:

The 54th annual Phoenix Scottish Games are in the book. Congratulations to Games V.P. Paul Bell and his organizing committee for a wonderful weekend.

We tried a couple of new things that still need improvement: parking signage: more detailed start times for events in the program; and the delay in getting the clans on to the field in the Opening Ceremonies. But most things went well.

We have dedicated this entire issue of the Newsletter to bring you the following photos and brief area reports.

Everyone is invited to our next Gathering on Thursday March 15th when we’ll celebrate Celtic Month at Rosie McCaffrey’s Pub & Restaurant, 906 E Camelback Rd. in Phoenix.

Slainte! DON

The John L. Ferrell Memorial Trophy (Grade 3) is awarded to the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band		The Wheaton McClanathan Sr. Memorial Trophy (Grade 4) is awarded to Tucson & District Pipe Band
The Capt. N. L. Finch, SD&G Highlanders Memorial Trophy (Grade 5) is awarded to Cameron Highlanders (San Diego)		Drum Major, Color Guard and Bands at the Closing Ceremony

Kilt Lifter Tap Room – Sarah Noble

Brews and tunes- what more can ye ask fer??!! The patrons of the Games curiously entered the small brew tent they heard mysterious sounds coming from. Nay, it was not the Wicked Tinkers on the didgeridoo but the sounds of Scott Jeffers, our one-man musical showcase wailing on violin as he incorporated Mongolian throat singing with a Highland violin tune!

The crowd was fascinated by Scott's "pirate" act and original compositions. Ar Turas kept the crowd clapping with songs like Barrett's Privateers by Stan Rogers, Bully Boys by Alan Doyle and tune sets on the penny whistle and bodhran. What a rowdy time that was! Chris Yates played his role well as Rusty Bawls, performing his Rock BASSics Trivia show and gave the crowd quite a chuckle!

This year the tap room welcomed newcomers, Open Beta "a nerdy folk group". They entertained the crowd with Celtic songs and humor and the crowd loved them! We also had a very special appearance by the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band on Sunday morning too! They proudly marched in at 11:45am, parted the crowds as they formed into a circle and entertained us all with a few tunes. What a spectacular sight and sound it was!

Ar Turas		Open Beta
Rusty Bawls		Scott Jeffers

Let's not forget the other reason why patrons came into the tent. BEER!!! Shannon and Derrick worked very hard to take care of mile long lines of thirsty patrons, serving up four different flavors of Four Peaks brews all weekend long! The Kilt Lifter Tap Room tent rocked the house this year and our performers and bar tending staff are anxious to return for the 55th Annual Phoenix Scottish Games! Slainte!

Genealogy - Robert Wilbanks IV

The Official C.S.A. Genealogy & Family History Tent was again a big hit at this year’s Phoenix Scottish Games. Most people merely passed through to view our maps and books, many leaving more interested than when they came in and very much impressed.

Additionally, I and my team of about a dozen expert volunteer genealogists, in personal one-on-one interactions, helped a great number of people begin to discover their Scottish roots and many left absolutely thrilled and excited by our finds.

COMING EVENTS and Highland Games in Arizona and Nearby
Games Calendar compiled by Clan Campbell Society NA

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