CLAN MACRAE  AT OHIO SCOTTISH GAMES   2010

     Ohio Scottish Games - Darcilla MacRae Olshavsky, Commissioner, Clan MacRae Ju

Ohio Scottish Games - Clan Village -

Ohio Scottish Games, Concert by Needfire

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Alasdair Fraser, Darcilla MacRae Olshavsky, Natalie Haas

Frank & Darcilla MacRae Olshavsky

Ohio Scottish Games
Wellington, Ohio
June 25-26, 2010

First Appearance for Clan MacRae in Ohio!

This was the first-ever Clan MacRae tent at the Ohio Scottish Games.  The festivities started on Thursday with the 19th Annual Scot’s Golf Outing in Hinckley, OH and then on Friday, many competitions took place from fiddling, harp solos, solo piping and drumming, along with Highland dancing competitions.  Later that evening was a Highland concert featuring the “Fire & Grace” of Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas playing tradition Highland jigs and reels on the fiddle and cello.  Alasdair Fraser has been long regarded as Scotland’s premier fiddle ambassador.  Their performances included Alasdair’s warm and witty Highland Stories drawn from lore surrounding Scotland’s musical heritage and fiddling ranging from haunting laments to voracious dance tunes.  After the concert, my husband and I represented Clan MacRae in the Torchlight Call to the Clans.  When Clan MacRae was announced, there were many cheers from the crowd.  The Clans ushered in those of attendance to the ceilidh featuring the Brigadoon’s and Scottish Country dancing.  It was a wonderful, memorable way to end the evening. 
            Saturday morning The Clan Village was open and numerous Clans were in attendance and several new faces of MacRae families stopped by the tent to get acquainted.  Countless visitors asked for more information on the Society and who the MacRaes were in Scottish history.  Clan MacRae sponsored two brothers to run the Kilted Mile.  They finished 2nd and 3rd ~ Hooray for Clan MacRae!!  When Clan MacRae was announced during the Parade of the Tartans – there were a lot of supporters and cheers from the audience.  The day continued with many activities including seeing and learning about the Highland Cattle, Scotland’s gentle giants – Clydesdale mares, demonstrations of sheep herding by border collies, a licensed master Falconer and raptor expert, and more live performances from Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, Charlie Zahm, The Brigadoon’s, and a ceilidh after closing ceremonies from Needfire – blending bagpipes, reeling Celtic fiddle, and tribal didgeridoo with modern rock guitars, bass, and drums taking traditional Celtic music into modern rock context with original lyrics.  Closing ceremonies ended with Massed Bands.  I had a wonderful time, became acquainted with new faces, and enjoyed teaching others about the MacRae Society of N.A.  I can’t wait for next year!

Aye Yours,
 ~Darcilla MacRae Olshavsky
        Commissioner for Clan MacRae in Ohio

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