(By Bill Trimble)
The Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering was held at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, Washington on July 25th through 27th, 2003. 85 Clans were represented, 25 Pipe and Drum Bands (with over 1000 musicians), various vendors, entertainers, dancers and athletes.
The Games opened Friday night with Rising of the Clans and a Flaming Saltire with a representative of each clan holding a torch. The representatives then formed the Cross of St. Andrew upon the command of the Chieftain of the Games, the torches were lit and a Flaming Saltire was created. At the end of the ceremony, the representatives announced their clan as they marched off the field.
Flaming Saltire Clan representatives in Flaming Saltire
Saturday started out balmy under azure skies, but soon turned uncomfortably hot. However, like the U.S. Marines, we Scots “adapted and overcame” and had a good time anyway. We enjoyed watching the athletes, dancers, entertainers, pipe bands, visiting with other clans, and feasting on the vast variety of food and drink that was available. And what Clan Gathering is not complete without vendors displaying their wares for those who like to shop and shop and shop.
Crowds browsing among the vendors
Massing of the Bands
Turnbull Clan Tent hosted by Bill and Kim Trimble
Display board Turnbull Sept Board Swords, Shield and Battle Ax
Kim Trimble with daughter Lynn Lenz and granddaughter Emma