History of Clan MacMillan in Washington State
2008
After the scramble to get a clan tent to the Enumclaw Scottish Highland Games, 2008 began in somewhat better order.
The first event was Tartan Day in Puyallup. This
indoor event was the perfect place for the fledging of the new
organization, not yet even an organization.
It was a cosy indoor event and well attended. New
friends were met there and it was a success. The table was fairly
bare, but the tartan was there! A large plaid of the 1874/2000
Dress tartan provided colour and sparked comment.
This tartan is a reproduction of a small swatch brought
from Islay, Scotland in 1874 and reproduced at the commission of F.
Lamar McMillin of Mississippi in 2000. It is a vibrant and
beautiful scarlet and gold; the only recognized tartan to be of only
those two colours from the Scottish Royal Standard. Legend has it
that Robert Bruce awarded the right to wear this tartan to Clan
MacMillan following their aid in winning the Battle of Bannockburn and
the title "King of the Scots" for Bruce.
Next came the rest of the season.....Bellingham, which was a campover
in a lovely, cool and deserted spot just outside of the Clan MacMillan
tent area. The peacock perched himself in the old tree next to
the homestead farmhouse and cried his displeasure at the bagpipes and
other music. But the music was fully enjoyed by all the people
there! Red McWillliams came out of the crowd to join the Parade
of the Clans and we met him for the first time. Red has traveled
and represented Clan MacMillan all over the world, bringing his music
to enliven every event. His mother was a MacMillan.
Skagit was a huge venue and the clan tent was many weary steps from the
camp site. The visitors were excited to see Clan MacMillan there
for the first time. A fireman, on duty for public safety, rushed
out of the crowd to join in the Parade of the Clans; he was a MacMillan!
Tacoma was a very nice one-day event in a lovely park just off the
freeway. Again, visitors expressed delight that Clan MacMillan
was there, and much comment was given the 1874/2000 Dress tartan,
easily seen across the green. The sponsors provided much-needed
breaks for those manning a clan tent alone.
Prosser Games was a very nice one-day event that took two days to
complete, due to the long drive over the mountains. The
sponsors were very hospitable, hosting a barbeque of lamb burgers
the evening before the Games opened, along w/ heavy weights for the
tent. Those of us unfamiliar with the area learned the next day
that these were to hold down the tents in the thunder and lightening
windstorm that blew up just before closing the next day.
One delightful feature of the Prosser Games was the team of roving high
schooler who came to help us set up and break down. Their school
district took the remarkable position of granting them academic credit
for this public service and it was very much appreciated!
The Enumclaw Games finished out the season of 2008.
It was the familiar busy venue and a great time was had renewing
acquaintances made in 2007 and over the summer season. By the
time we got there, it was like Old Home week!
The clan tent was quiet all day Saturday and Sunday,
with few visitors. MacMillans came to march in the Parade of
Clans both days, though, and in the afternoon on Sunday a veritable
party happened. The tent was full to overflowing with members and
those becoming members, all visiting and chatting. It was a
memorable finish to the Games season.
Because of the Inaugural Annual General Meeting to be held the Saturday following
the Enumclaw Games, the Kelso Games were not on the schedule.....it was
just too much and too far for us to get there. Perhaps next year!
The IAGM was held in a lovely little park in Duvall and
was attended by 13 new Charter Members and Chief George MacMillan of
MacMillan and Knap, accompanied by Pauline Simpson of the Clan
MacMillan Centre at the clan seat of Finlaystone in Scotland and
Graeme Mackenzie, Clan historian and genealogist.
Music was provided by Red McWilliams and by Susan Burke and her group of Snoqualmie Valley musicians.
A lovely catered picnic was provided by Sara and Company, a local caterer and good friend, ably assisted by her staff.
And we were treated to a rain storm during the business meeting, just
to make the Scots feel right at home. As we huddled beneath
tents, we took the first steps toward establishing the new Washington
State Branch. It was a lovely day!
All in all, 2008 was a banner year; filled with trials
and triumphs, it was a true representation of Clan MacMillan in
Washington State!
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