June 12-14, 2009
E. H. Young Riverfront Park
Riverside, Missouri

Scottish Clans

Events

Friday evening, June 13, the Scottish clans will hold a Torchlight Ceremony at 8 p.m. You are invited to come to the amphitheatre to see this impressive event. Our Honored Clan for 2008 will be introduced at this time.

On Saturday all visitors to the Kansas City Scottish Highland Games are invited to visit the Clan booths centrally located on the grounds of E.H. Young Park. Enjoy the creativity and friendliness of the Clan Representatives. Learn about the Clans whose names you have heard. Check the list of names known to be associated with specific clans to see if your name is included. Many clans post these at their booth. Or, check the resources available at clan booths to see if your name is listed. You may learn that you have Scots heritage and just didn't know it.

The traditional Parade of Tartans occurs at 12 noon on Saturday, followed by massed bands. The Parade will proceed around the grounds and back to the starting point. Clan Banners will identify individual Clans.

Sunday morning will invite all clans and attendees to the Kirkin' of the Tartans ceremony as part of the 9:30 worship services held at the park. The winner of the Best Clan Award will be announced at the Kirkin’ of the Tartans.

Information and Registration

Many clans join us at Clan Village each year at the Kansas City Highland Games. If you belong to a clan that is interested in having a tent and booth, please check the registration details. Registration information and print-and-mail forms are available online.

Hospitality

Saturday morning, June 14, Clan Representatives are invited to visit the Clan Hospitality Tent for complimentary morning coffee and doughnuts, beginning at 8 a.m. Clan Representatives will receive two passes each day for Games admittance on Friday and Saturday. Expect to meet old friends and make new ones as Clan Village begins buzzing. The traditional Parade of Tartans occurs at 12 noon, followed by massed bands. The Parade will proceed around the grounds and back to the starting point. Clan Banners will identify individual Clans.

An Award for Best Clan

One clan will be named BEST CLAN of this year's Games. Criteria for the award have been established and include the attractiveness of the booth display, creativity and originality, friendliness to booth visitors and the degree of appropriate tartan dress in the Parade of Tartans. The BEST CLAN for 2008 will lead the Parade of Tartans next year.

Honored Clan

In Gaelic, "clann" means children - an important note, as the clan system of extended family units was truly more paternalistic than feudal. Clansmen were bound together and to their lands by personal loyalties, proud ancestral lineage, fierce feuds, ancient customs, rituals, and symbolism. From its Celtic origins, the clan system became a complex social, political, economic and cultural entity which determined the course of Scottish history for centuries.

Today, long after the dissolution of the ancient system, modern clans and family societies are dedicated to rekindling pride in family and perpetuating the rich, colorful and unique heritage these kinship bonds represent.  These organizations provide not only a chance for social interaction, but many actively seek to preserve Scotland's ethnic traditions. Such efforts range from language and historical studies to folk arts and crafts.