Kilt Info

[Southern Breeze]

Colin,those are good points. This is still in the thinking stage so I'm not commited one way or the other.

[Shay]

Well, it's only $60 for a booth without electricity, which is a fai amount but if you had anything to sell you could make it worth it.
They might even give you a discount if you write to them directly and tell them you have an educational booth...

Or if any of the folks in the area rent kilts, you could ask them to give you a corner!

I would go a little further though- maybe make up a quick sheet in the dos and don't of wearing a kilt, formal and informal, and have some humor, like the top ten answers to "What's under your kilt?"- something that folks can take home.

Oh- you could always apply as a volunteer rather than a booth operator, too!

[fhpdo]

Keep us updated on this...My folks live not far from Dalton and I may just make the trip up there. Maybe I can give you a hand if you need it.
John

[Graham]

Any promotion of the kilt is a great idea. I've done a few such booths myself.
What Colin says shows great wisdom, if you can enlist the support of kiltmakers (sample kilts, accessories, cards, stickers, posters etc to display) or work with a related organisation (New World Celts, St.Andrew Soc, Caledonian Soc.).

I'm sure any of these groups would appreciate someone with your motivation and enthusiasm.

I'm doing the same at present, trying to organise a festival to celebrate Tartan Day (July 1 here).
I'm approaching local groups, councils, mayors, Pipe bands and retailers to make it happen.
some jobs are just too big to do alone, mind you, getting others to share your passion can be an uphill battle.

[macwilkin]

Any promotion of the kilt is a great idea. I've done a few such booths myself.
What Colin says shows great wisdom, if you can enlist the support of kiltmakers (sample kilts, accessories, cards, stickers, posters etc to display) or work with a related organisation (New World Celts, St.Andrew Soc, Caledonian Soc.).

I'm sure any of these groups would appreciate someone with your motivation and enthusiasm.

To echo what Graham says, you might contact COSCA, the Council of Scottish Clan Associations, and see if they will have an information tent at the games. Both COSCA and SDFA (Scottish District Families Association) usually have resources available for folks to "look up" their Scottish ancestors -- a "clan clearinghouse" of sorts. I also agree with Graham that the local Cally or St. Andrew's Society is a good group to work with as well.

Cheers,

Todd

[cavscout]

Rather than rent a booth...just get a nice bright t-shirt made up with the phrase "Ask me what's under my kilt" on the front and back. Then just walk around distributing knowledge and wisdom to those who ask :mrgreen:

Seriously, great idea. And I think it would definitely impact many people on many levels. It could genereate some heated discussion on some peoples parts when you start educating the un-educated. Kind of like Guttenburg printing the bible so everyone could read it themselves

[Southern Breeze]

More food for thought. Keep it coming and thanks.
Quick addition- the majority of people here are only aware of the traditional and thus expensive kilts. They're suprised at the cost of my Stillwaters.

[Cawdorian]

Southern Breeze,

Thanks for the information on the event web site.
I was looking for some information on this event, this must be the "Highland Games" at Dalton GA, that I was asking about yesterday.

I am planning on attending but expect to be working in one of the clan booths.

[Iolaus]

If your purpose is to educate people about the daily casual wearing of kilts, then I would stick to that; your message may get lost behind whatever else you have.

I would search out pictures of people wearing them in obviously casual fashion, like Graham's work pictures, Derek's kitchen shots, and people at work and school, show a wide variety of types (trad., UK, STW, RK...) and blow the pictures up large enough to be seen from 5 - 10 feet away. They wouldn't have to be photo quality, just good enough to clearly see what they are.

Have some cards from the various kilt makers, as well as a stack of pages with the names, web sites, contact info, and price ranges of each, all collected on one sheet. ...and maybe print this on the back, as well as having a pile of them, cut up ready to hand out alone.

Have Graham make you a banner of the XMarksTheScot.com logo at the top of the page here to hang at the front, over your table.

Grab a beer and a chair, kick back, and answer any question people may have.