2012 Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

th Annual the 18

July 14-15 2012

Supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald

OfďŹ cial Program!

Table of Contents Welcome........................................... 3 Schedule of events............................. 4 Map & festival information................. 5 Bagpipes........................................... 6 Pipers & drummers............................. 8 Pipe bands...................................... 10 Dancers at the games....................... 10 Dance competitors........................... 11 Athletic events................................ 13 Scottish country dancing.................. 15 Sheepdog trials................................ 16 Fiddlers........................................... 17 Music at the games.......................... 18

SKAGIT PUBLISHING 1215 Anderson Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 P: 360.424.3251 F: 360.424.5300 Restocking: 360.424.3251 Š2012 by Skagit Publishing LLC All rights reserved.

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Culture Tent schedule...................... 19 Food & whisky.................................. 20 Chieftain of the Games.................... 20 Dr. James Monroe............................ 21 Clans............................................... 21 Volunteers & vendors....................... 22 Festival sponsors.............................. 23

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view this publication in page-flip format on skagitpublishing.com!

editor craig parrish: cparrish@skagitpublishing.com

photographers scott terrell, frank varga & the celtic arts foundation

Advertising director Mark Dobie: mdobie@skagitpublishing.com

design & layout Patricia Stowell

Display Advertising Manager Deb Bundy: dbundy@skagitpublishing.com | 360.416.2126 advertising operations manager Sarah Hickman: shickman@skagitpublishing.com operations katie erickson, Jody Hendrix, karen Sheppard, patricia Stowell

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

media consultants Stephanie Harper : sharper@skagitpublishing.com abby Jackson: ajackson@skagitpublishing.com Staci May: smay@skagitpublshing.com Michelle O’Donnell: modonnell@skagitpublishing.com Kathy Schultz: kschultz@skagitpublishing.com Katie Sundermeyer: ksundermeyer@skagitpublishing.com Paul Tinnon: ptinnon@skagitpublishing.com John Williams: jwilliams@skagitpublishing.com

July 2012 | goskagit.com

S

o much is happening with the Celtic Arts Foundation - 18 years and going stronger than ever! Our mission is simple; to “sponsor, encourage and support Celtic culture through events and educational activities,” and clearly by producing 10 major events in four Washington state counties this year, we are relentlessly pursuing our mission! The enduring lesson after all this time and our many events is simply this: people need and enjoy coming together for celebration. As we approach our third decade of producing quality Celtic events, we look forward with great anticipation to more music, more dancing, more sheepdog trials, more athletic events, all the while providing our Clans and our community the opportunity to come together in celebration. As proud as we might all be of our Scottish, Irish, Welsh or other Celtic culture, we are an inclusive lot and are especially pleased to welcome everyone to the Games, regardless of heritage!

On behalf of our Board of Directors, our volunteers and sponsors, thank you for your continued enthusiastic support of the Skagit Valley Highland Games and Celtic Arts Foundation. Thank you to everyone who participates, whether as a competitor, performer, vendor or audience member — we join you in looking forward to a wonderful weekend in Skagit County. Enjoy the Games!

Skye K. Richendrfer Founder and Executive Director, Celtic Arts Foundation

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he steadily growing Celtic Arts Foundation has announced a capital campaign to acquire permanent office space. Having operated out of Executive Director Skye Richendrfer’s home for the past 18 years, this June the Board of Directors approved a resolution initiating a capital campaign in the amount of $200,000.

2012 Board of Directors & Staff Directors: James Monroe, President Tyrone Heade, Vice President Jill Hilde, Treasurer David J. Ryberg, Secretary Marilyn McLean, Board Member Jan Gould, Board Member Craig Sjostrom, Board Member Walter Briggs, Board Member Emeritus Board Members: William J. Toomey, CPA Mary Scott Judge John M. Meyer Michael Riedel Melissa Chittenden Scott Peterson Staff: Skye K. Richendrfer, Founder and Executive Director Michele Norman, Program and Administrative Assistant

goskagit.com | July 2012

The campaign received a huge boost in mid-June, when Mr. and Mrs. Edmund and Laura Littlefield approved a $100,000 matching challenge grant — matching each dollar raised for the building. The Littlefields are longtime supporters of the Skagit Valley Highland Games and Celtic Arts Foundation, and have often complimented the organization on its efficiency and quality programming.

Other significant lead donations exceeding $27,000 have been made, including a $5,000 challenge issued by Dr. and Mrs. James and Michele Lechner of Olympia, WA, matched by Sally Childs Richendrfer, in honor of her father, the late Dr. Donald S. Childs, Jr., of Rochester, MN, matched again by David Ryberg and Joan Penney, and yet again by Rod MacKenzie and Ruth Flucke! Jim and Janie Monroe, and Walter and Linda Briggs have also both contributed $3000 lead gifts to help get the campaign rolling! Please visit the Celtic Arts Foundation booth at the Highland Games to find how you can support the capital campaign.

Celtic Arts Foundation PO Box 1342 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Phone: 360-416-4934 Toll Free: 888-416-4934 Website: www.celticarts.org

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

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Schedule of Events SATURDAY, July 14

SUNDAY, July 15

9:00–10:30...... Highland Dancing: Pre-premier Events (dancing area) 9:00–2:00........ Solo Piping & Drumming Competition (piping area) 10:00–11:00.... Short performances by Northwest harpers (harp tent) 10:00–11:00.... Ceilidh dancing (country dancing stage) 10:00–11:00.... Culloden: A sad day in Scottish history: Presentation with Brian McGuiness (Celtic culture tent) 10:00–12:00.... Northwest Regional Scottish Fiddling Championship (fiddle tent) 10:30–3:00...... Northern United States Open Highland Dancing Championship (dancing area) 11:00–11:45.... Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 11:00–11:45.... How to research your Celtic Ancestry: Laura Sparr & Skagit Genealogical Society (Celtic culture tent) 11:00–11:45.... Seirm: Gaelic singers group – part of Slighe nan Gaidheal, a Washington-based Gaelic culture & language society (harp tent) 12:00–12:30.... Opening Ceremonies, Parade of the Clans, Anthems & Lament (main stage) 12:00–12:30.... Bonnie Dundee (Seattle) Scottish Country Dancing demo (country dancing stage) 12:00–1:00...... Short performances by Northwest harpers (harp tent) 1:00–2:00........ Clandestine folk band - Main Stage 1:00–2:00........ Bagpipes: types & kinds: Skye Richendrfer & friends (Celtic culture tent) 1:00–1:30........ Tam O’Shanter (White Rock, BC) Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 1:00–2:15........ Harp Circle, plus group tunes (harp tent) 2:00–3:00........ History & Traditions of three Scottish Clans: Johnstone, Macnachtan and Muir (Celtic culture tent) 1:30–2:30........ Bellingham Scottish Country Dancers (country dancing stage) 2:00–3:00........ Sheep to Shawl Demonstration (weavers & spinners area) 2:00–4:00........ Celtic Fiddle Session (fiddle stage) 2:00–6:00........ Sheepdog Trials (farm area) 2:30–3:50........ Celtic Fast Jam – all instruments welcome (harp tent) 2:30–5:00........ Pipe Band Competition (main stage) 2:30–3:00........ Tam O’Shanter Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 3:00–3:30........ Bonnie Dundee Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 3:00–4:00........ Clarsach culture—Introduction to the Celtic Harp: Becky Fox (Celtic culture tent) 3:00–5:00........ Highland Dancing Choreography Competition (dancing area) 3:30-4:00........ Ceilidh dancing (country dancing stage) 4:00–4:45........ Seirm (Gaelic singers group) performing with harps (harp tent) 5:00–5:15........ Massed Bands (main stage area) 5:30–6:30........ Celtic Legends Concert: Clandestine folk band (main stage)

9:00–10:00...... Beginning Scottish Fiddle Workshop: (fiddle stage) 9:00–5:00........ Highland Dancing Competition (dancing area) 10:00–10:30.... Try the harp! A mini-lesson provided by our harp artists (harp tent) 10:00–11:00.... Culloden: A sad day in Scottish history: Presentation with Brian McGuiness (Celtic culture tent) 10:00–11:00.... Music Workshops: Clandestine artists (fiddle stage) 10:00–6:00...... Sheepdog Trials (farm area) 11:00–12:00.... Scottish Smallpipe/Borderpipe solo event (fiddle stage) 11:00–12:00.... How to research your Celtic Ancestry: Laura Sparr & Skagit Genealogical Society (Celtic culture tent) 12:00–12:30.... Bonnie Dundee Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 12:30–1:00...... Opening Ceremonies, Parade of the Clans, Anthems & Lament (main stage) 1:00–1:20........ Scottish Drum Corps Competition (county dancing stage) 1:00–2:00........ Bagpipes: types & kinds with Skye Richendrfer & friends (Celtic culture tent) 1:00–2:15........ Harp Circle plus group tunes (harp tent) 1:30–2:00........ Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 2:00–3:00........ Scottish Smallpipe/Borderpipe duet event (main stage) 2:00–3:00........ Harpers’ Circle (harp tent) 2:00–3:00........ History & Traditions of 3 Scottish Clans: Chisholm, Sinclair and Stewart 2:00–3:00........ Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 2:00–3:00........ Sheep to Shawl Demonstration (weavers & spinners area) 2:00–4:00........ Celtic Fiddle Session (fiddle stage) 2:30–3:30........ Celtic Slow Jam Session (harp tent) 3:00–4:30........ Washington State Grade IV & Grade III Pipe Band Championships (main stage area) 3:00–3:45........ Scottish Country Dancing (country dancing stage) 3:00–4:00........ Clarsach culture—introduction to the Celtic Harp: Harper Tasche, President of the Puget Sound Folk Harp Society 4:30–4:45........ Massed Bands (main stage area) 5:00................ Event Closes: Haste Ye Back!

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Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

THESE EVENTS CONTINUE ALL DAY saturday & Sunday: Scottish culture tent (explanations and demonstrations of Celtic music, dance and culture) Traditional Scottish athletic events Children’s events (presented by the Children’s Museum of Skagit County) Fair food, Scottish clan (family) booths, arts & crafts vendors Beer garden, Whiskys of the World Celtic animal farm

July 2012 | goskagit.com

Map, Tickets & More MV TO VANCOUVER, B.C. EDGEWATER PARKING

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Scottish Country Dance

Additional parking at Washington School

Culture Tent

ST .

BN RAILROAD

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CELTIC ARTS FOUNDATION BOOTH AND FIRST AID is located just past the main gate entrance.

Beer Garden/ Whiskys of the World

Food

SkaGit State BaNk MaiN Gate Handicapped parking only

EXIT 226

free Shuttle Parking

Main Stage Arts & Crafts

CeltiC artS/ iNfo teNt

KINCAID ST.

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TO SEATTLE

Clans Parking north of bridge only

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North Gate Solo Piping & Drumming

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Highland Dance

W. DIVISION STREET

SK AG IT R

SOUTH BAKER ST. GE W PA ATE RK R

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MOUNT VERNON

Athletics

Spinners & Weavers

Harp Tent

Children’s Events

• Purchase your 2012 Games T-shirts and hats • Lost-and-found items • Emergency personnel

Fiddle Tent

Celtic Farm & Sheepdog Trials South Gate

All venue locations are approximate and are subject to change.

Campground

2012 Skagit Valley Highland Games tickets One-day pass prices:

$13 adults; $10 students/seniors and active military; $30 families or group of four; $7 additional family member (when purchased with family ticket); free for children 4 and younger Weekend passes:

$18 adults; $14 students/seniors and active military; $40 families or group of four; $7 additional family member; free for children 4 and younger For tickets and information, visit www.celticarts.org

Parking is free at Edgewater Park and in the downtown Skagit County parking lot, with complimentary shuttles running at regular intervals to transport guests to the grounds from the parking lots. The shuttle runs in 20-minute intervals all weekend, starting at approximately 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday.

canine visitors Dogs will be allowed at the Highland Games only if they are leashed (extend-a-leashes are NOT allowed). Unleashed dogs will be asked to leave immediately with their owners. Plastic bags are available at each entrance for animal waste. Please clean up after your animals. A watering station is located near the information booth.

Thank you for being a responsible pet owner. goskagit.com | July 2012

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

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enjoy the bagpipes?

Catch several piping competitions during the 2012 Skagit Valley Highland Games!

SATURDAY, JULY 14 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Solo Piping and Drumming Competition in the Piping Area 2:30 to 5 p.m. — Pipe Band Competition in the Main Stage area

SUNDAY, JULY 15 3 to 4:30 p.m. — Washington State Grade iV and Grade iii Pipe Band Championships in the Main Stage area

BURNS NIGHT DINNER Presented by the Kenmore & District Pipe Band

Saturday - Jan 26, 2013 Legion Memorial Golf Course Clubhouse Everett, WA

For tickets contact: info@kdpipeband.com 6

Skagit Valley HigHland gameS & CeltiC FeStiVal

Be SURe To SToP BY the Celtic Arts Foundation booth for information about the Games, including the latest Foundation news and details for upcoming Celtic events.

The booth is located by the main castle gate at the northwest end of the field.

July 2012 | goskagit.com

Solo Piping & Drumming Competitors No. Name City/State/Prov. Tartan Instrument 7 Lauren Toohey Newberg, OR Side Drummer 8 Alexis Hagen Everett, WA MacKenzie Tenor Drummer 9 Jack Toohey Newberg, OR Piper 10 Robert Graham Jr. Lynnwood, WA MacKenzie Side Drummer 11 Lauren Gaul Edmonds, WA MacKenzie Modern Side Drummer 12 Maclain Davidson Mission, BC Sutherland Side Drummer 13 John Courtney Gresham, OR Isle of Skye Piper 14 Daniel King Silverdale, WA Firefighter Memorial Piper 15 Thomas Nichini Vancouver, BC White Spot Band Piper 16 Devon Coady Surrey, BC Piper 17 Chris Cahoon Redmond, WA Muted Red Frasier Piper 18 Dashiel Pederson Portland, OR Piper 19 Aaron Malcomb Bellingham, WA Piper 20 Trevor Davidson Mission, BC Davidson Piper 21 Peter Rolstad Bellingham, WA Piper 22 Jonathan Robertson Delta, BC Piper, Side Drummer 23 Kyle Gaul Edmonds, WA MacKenzie Modern Piper 24 Matt Rucker Portland, OR Douglass Piper 25 Logan Chavez Brush Prairie, WA Piper 26 Karl Stahlfeld Burien, WA NWJPB Piper 27 Kendrick Rutherford Surrey, BC Piper 28 Marcus De Vight Mukilteo, WA MacKenzie Piper 29 Raasi Rush Portland, OR Piper 30 Richard Gillies Beaverton, OR Piper 31 Hunter Kern Portland, OR Piper 32 Jennifer Campbell Keizer, OR Mclennan Piper 33 Rick Campbell Keizer, OR Mclennan Piper 34 Liam Bacon Beaverton. OR Piper 35 Steven Hughes Hillsboro, OR Royal Stuart Piper 36 Erin Anderson Oregon City, OR Anderson Piper 37 Alexander Schiele Snohomish, WA Maclain Duhart Weathered Piper, Tenor Drummer 38 Fiona Senyk New Westminster, BC Side Drummer 39 Julia Snow Abbotsford, BC MacDougall Side Drummer 40 Amber Stone Auburn, WA MacLean of Duart Weathered Side Drummer 42 Darlene Lewis-Chinn Issaquah, WA Ancient Keith Piper 43 Bruce Poliak Stanwood, WA MacDonald Piper 44 Teddy Kortenhof Portland, OR MacDonald Piper 45 Brittney Otto Cultus Lake, BC MacKenzie Piper 46 David Day Lake Oswego, OR Piper 47 Daniel Dorsett Tigard, OR Lamont Piper 48 Torrin Kelly Portland, OR Muted Frasier Piper 49 Marilyn Crandall Moscow, ID MacDuff Piper 50 Diego Alvarez Mukilteo, WA MacKenzie Piper 51 John Ephraim Sommer Snohomish, WA McDonald of the Isles Piper 52 Larry Dent Hope, BC Piper 53 Stuart MacDonald Bothell, WA MacKenzie Piper 54 Tyrone Heade Seattle, WA Graham of Mentieth Piper 55 Aaron Stone Auburn, WA Abercrombie Piper 56 Luke Snow Abbotsford, BC MacDougall Piper 57 Elizabeth Cameron Lebanon, OR Cameron Piper

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Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

July 2012 | goskagit.com

SoLo PiPiNG & DRUMMiNG CoMPeTiToRS No. 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 84

Name Alexander MacLeod Joshua Done Cleda Thompson Joseph Stewart Will Clarke Eric Clarke Cameron Reid Zanna Kortenhof Will Beattie Scott Wood Saul Goodwin Colleen Salmi Liam Hilder Ruby Vise Peter North Helen Saunders Liam Cunningham Elijah Kolmes Russell Prewitt Brian McKenzie Gregory Wolfe Micaiah Vanderveen

City/State/Prov.

Aurora, OR Bellevue, WA Arlington, WA Seattle, WA Chilliwack, BC Chilliwack, BC Vancouver, BC Portland, OR Corvallis, OR Port Coquitlam, BC Seattle, WA Lake Forest Park, WA Port Coquitlam, BC Portland, OR Seattle, WA Lopez Island, WA Bainbridge Island, WA Lake Oswego, OR La Center, WA Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Milner, BC

Tartan MacDonald Graham Menteith McDonald of the Isle Muted Hunting Stewart

instrument Piper Piper Piper Piper Piper Ancient Weathered Sutherland Side Drummer Side Drummer Sir James MacDonald Side Drummer Muted Red Frasier Piper Piper McKenzie Piper Tenor Drummer Piper Modern MacDonald Piper MacKenzie Piper Keith Piper MacKenzie Piper Muted Fraser Piper Russell Piper Muted MacKenzie Piper Piper Tenor Drummer

Kenmore & District Pipe Band Everett, WA

Playing Well Together While Having Fun See our website for more info: www.kdpipeband.com Email: info@kdpipeband.com goskagit.com | July 2012

Skagit Valley HigHland gameS & CeltiC FeStiVal

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Pipe Bands Clan Gordon Pipe Band, Grade IV Clan Macleay Pipe Band, Grade IV Dowco Triumph Street PB Elliott Bay Pipe Band Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band Keith Highlanders Pipe Band Kenmore & District Pipe Band Northwest Junior Pipe Band Portland Metro Pipe Band Portland Metro Youth Pipe Band SDS Drum Corps, Grade II SDS Drum Corps, Grade III SDS Drum Corps, Grade IV Sir James MacDonald Pipe Band White Spot Pipe Band, Grade IV

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Olalla, WA Salem, OR New Westminster, BC Seattle, WA Maple Ridge, BC Bellevue, WA Lynnwood, WA Shoreline, WA Beaverton, OR Portland, OR Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Portland, OR Maple Ridge, BC

Dancers at the Games

hen Highland Games Dance Coordinator Heather Richendrfer first took up Highland dancing at the age of 10, there wasn’t the wealth of resources available that there are today.

“Growing up, there weren’t that many Highland Games, so we traveled frequently between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, and sometimes Portland or Victoria, BC,” Richendrfer said. “In my twenties, we traveled to California, Alberta, and even Scotland for the world championships.”

There are only eleven officially sanctioned Highland dance championships nationwide, and luckily for area residents, the Skagit Valley Highland Games is one of them.

Each year the Skagit games attracts contestants from Scotland, Australia, Canada and elsewhere to

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Gordon Royal Stewart and Hunting Stewart MacLean of Duart Weathered Graham of Montieth Old Weathered Sutherland Ancient Keith MacDonald of the Isles, Hunting MacKenzie Muted Red Frasier Muted Frasier Royal Stewart Royal Stewart Royal Stewart Modern MacDonald British Columbia Centennial

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

represent their abilities and pride in their sport.

“It’s so wonderful that in a smaller community such as ours, we are able to attract top dancers,” said Richendrfer. “It’s important to bring it here for anyone who has an interest in wonderful, amazing dance.”

No matter your take on the unconventional Scottish dance style, one thing’s for sure — it is much different than the typical modern dance choreography.

“It’s physically demanding because the dancers jump up and down, so it tests endurance as well as technique,” Richendrfer said.

“Most often, we are holding our arms above our heads, so that makes it more difficult,” Richendrfer added. “There’s a joke in the [Highland] community — Highland dancers have amazingly strong legs, so it’s always a challenge getting our shoes to fit.”

July 2012 | goskagit.com

dance Competitors 101 Duncan Stewardson Ferndale, WA Dress Stewart 102 Nicole Pace Mount Vernon, WA Ship Hector 103 Meghan Palmer Spokane, WA Special Dress Blue Scott 104 Daisy Swallow Langley, BC Purple MacRae of Conchra 105 Shannon Stratychuk Surrey, BC Dress Turquoise Scott 106 Autumn Johansen Bellingham, WA Special Dress Royal Menzies 107 Audrey Graham Lynnwood, WA Sewart 108 Rebecca Moore Bellingham, WA Dress Rose 109 Travis Moore Bellingham, WA 110 Nicole Hehn Snohomish, WA Red Dress Scott 111 Kourt Bacon Beaverton, OR Turquoise Dress Longnidry 112 Katherine Kent Surrey, BC 113 Ashleigh Kent Surrey, BC Dress Blue Erskine 114 Julia Rutherford Surrey, BC Turquoise Lennox 115 Sarah Barnard Langley, BC 116 Rory McCrum DuPont, WA 117 Rory Flinn Lake Stevens, WA Dress Royal McKellar 118 Hannah Diffin Maple Ridge, BC Red Lennox 119 Madison Rattai Langley, BC 120 Elizabeth Kirchhofer Surrey, BC 121 Mikaela Farnsworth Kamloops, BC Dress Fyrie Magenta 122 Callie Eliades Langley, BC 123 Angie Grant Delta, BC Wine MacRae 124 Aja Jensen Issaquah, WA 125 Anna Jensen Issaquah, WA 126 Liv Jensen Issaquah, WA 127 Samantha Connor Abbotsford, BC 128 Alexis Connor Abbotsford, BC 129 Eilean Blessing Lakewood, WA 130 Magdalyn Blessing Lakewood, WA 131 Savannah Ferron Bellingham, WA Royal Blue Dress MacGregor 132 Connor Francis Bellevue, WA Dress Green Erskine 133 Abigail Levens Burnaby, BC 134 Kyra Gert Burnaby, BC 135 Anne Hodges New Westminster, BC Dress Green Stewart 136 Grace Hodges New Westminster, BC Dress Green Stewart 137 Christina Hodges New Westminster, BC 138 Jaimie MacKenzie Abbotsford, BC 139 Olivia Bell Delta, BC 140 Laura Bicho Coquitlam, BC Red Cunningham 141 Annelise Bicho Coquitlam, BC Dress Blue MacGregor 142 Morgan Scott Delta, BC 143 Monika Arcadi New Westminster, BC 144 Kya Peterson Delta, BC 145 Kelsey Cressey Surrey, BC Raspberry Menzies 146 Sage Bishop-Beaurone Surrey, BC 147 Cora Peterson Bellingham, WA Dress Royal MacKellar 148 Calum Merry Bellevue, WA Dress Turquoise Yarrow 149 Colleen Mahan Kirkland, WA Dress Green Cunningham 150 Leslie Riddle Bellingham, WA Dress Lime Buchanan 151 Emma Lee Conway, WA Dress Red MacRae of Conchra 152 Cooper Hossack Surrey, BC

goskagit.com | July 2012

dance Competitors 153 Chelsea Hossack Surrey, BC 154 Angelina Graham Surrey, BC 155 Hailey Weeks Redmond, WA Dress Raspberry Scott 156 Stephanie Conway Bothell, WA Special Dress Burgundy Longniddry 157 Janissa Doerscher Everett, WA Dress Red Creiff 158 Dane Petrakis Bellevue, WA 159 Elizabeth Ochs Issaquah, WA Dress Green MacGregor 160 Jennifer Ochs Issaquah, WA Dress Turquoise Scott 161 Payton Cranston Princeton, BC Raspberry Scott 162 Teagan Cranston Princeton, BC Raspberry Menzies 163 Alec Mackay Redmond, WA 164 Emily Hall Monroe, WA Dress Red Longniddray 165 Elizabeth Hall Monroe, WA Dress Turquoise Yarrow 166 Juliet Romano-Olsen Seattle, WA 167 Emma Clark Lake Stevens, WA 168 Connor Tallman Lake Stevens, WA Royal Stewart 169 Alannah Moen Mukilteo, WA 170 Brielle Thibaudeau Langley, BC Dress Green MaRae of Conchra 171 Mateya Thibaudeau Langley, BC Special Dress Purple Scott 172 Anja Grant Bothell, WA Grant 173 Kirsty Mackay Redmond, WA Dress Erskine 174 Alexandra Sang Abbotsford, BC 175 Christine Darmanin Ferndale, WA 176 Jordan Hoyle Mount Vernon, WA Lord Arran 177 Margaret Johnston Anacortes, WA 178 Audrey Curran Renton, WA Dress Blue Wallace 179 Steven MacRae Seattle, WA Dress Green MacGregor Special 180 Tara Findlay Delta, BC Dress Red Lennox 181 Rebekah Vanderveen Mission, BC BC Centennial 182 Heather MacFarlane Marysville, WA 183 Claire Strevey Seattle, WA 184 Audrey Strevey Seattle, WA 185 Isabelle Banks Bellingham, WA 186 Erin Elrick West Vancouver, BC Dress Red Menzies 187 Bailey Thompson Nanaimo, BC Dress Black Menzies 188 Adrian Cunningham Portland, OR Teal MacRae of Conchra 189 Miranda Gilbert Surrey, BC Purple Menzies 190 Gwynnevere Scott Cloverdale, BC Dress Purple Hamilton 191 Nicolas Warcup-Scott Cloverdale, BC Dress Hamilton 192 Jinian Beharrell Burnaby, BC Dress Nova Scotia 193 Kaitlyn Beharrell Burnaby, BC Dress Green Menzies 194 Maddy MacDonald New Westminster, BC 195 Torah Vanderveen Milner, BC 196 Madison Lagan Courtenay, BC Dress Royal Blue Longniddry 197 Olivia Carmichael Courtenay, BC 198 Kathryn Warcup Surrey, BC Pink Dress Oliver 199 Dillon-James Warcup Surrey, BC Hamilton (red) 200 Christie Stewart Richmond, BC Dress Purple Stewart 201 Cayley Stewart Richmond, BC Green McKenzie 202 Cortnie Babinski Spokane, WA Turquoise MacPherson 203 Nicola Theim Victoria, BC 204 Julia Theim Victoria, BC

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

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DANCe JUDGeS:

Marie Grimes – Spokane, WA John Hynd – Manhattan Beach, CA Cynthia Kopenski – Plymouth, MI

DANCe PiPeRS:

Rob Barrick – Happy Valley, OR Rob Rife – Yakima, WA

DANCiNG CooRDiNAToR: Heather Richendrfer

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Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun/Holidays 11am-4pm 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd. 360-424-8531 www.tulips.com

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Skagit Valley HigHland gameS & CeltiC FeStiVal

July 2012 | goskagit.com

Athletic Events at the Games T

he athletic events at the Highland Games feature competitions that are just a little bit different than anything else in the world.

Competitors take their turns at throwing stones and logs (cabers) of various weights and sizes, for height and distance.

The Braemar Stone throwing greatly resembles a shot put in modern track and field, and in the Sheaf Toss, competitors lift and throw (with a pitchfork) a burlap bag filled with straw over a horizontal bar that gets progressively higher.

Although Bob Ham is quick to point out he receives a great deal of help, he’s the man who puts it all together when it comes to athletic events at the Skagit Valley Highland Games.

Ham, who lives in the Alger area, has been in charge of the athletic events for several years, serving a few years prior to that as a cocoordinator.

During the competition, he’s the judge and commentator. Before becoming a judge — which he’s also done at competitions in California, Oregon, Arizona and British Columbia — Ham was on the field himself, having started competing in 1984.

“In college, I was in track and field: discus and shot put,” Ham said. “The first Scottish games I saw was in Portland in 1982. Then in 1983, I was at the games at Civic Stadium in Bellingham. One of the coordinators came over to me and said ‘you’re a big guy, you should be out here.’ I started competing the next year.”

Continued on page 14 goskagit.com | July 2012

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Continued from page 13 Ham sets up the events schedule and makes sure “everything is running safely and smoothly,” he said. “We herd everybody together on Saturday and Sunday morning, then get ‘em throwing.”

Ham said one of his favorite aspects of the Highland Games is the rivalries, which are serious but respectful.

“Your biggest competitor can be your best buddy,” Ham said.

“They’ll point out a flaw, anything they can do to help. It’s a friendly competition.”

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Skagit Valley HigHland gameS & CeltiC FeStiVal

July 2012 | goskagit.com

SCoTTiSH

Country Dancing This form of social dancing has become popular since its beginnings in 1700s Scotland and england.

See the schedule of events on page 4 for dates and times to watch presentations and to participate!

goskagit.com | July 2012

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Sheepdog trials

F

or the uninitiated, imagining a dog’s attempt to herd sheep might seem like a potentially ugly affair: barking, snarling and at least a few tufts of wool.

Veteran sheepdog trainer and Highland Games participant Dawn Pucci is quick to put that to rest.

“Working dogs are beautiful to watch, because they use their brains and their instincts,” Pucci said. “They are usually very quiet.”

Rather than simply scaring the sheep from corner to corner, Pucci says the key to effective sheep herding lay in “the eye,” the dog’s ability to stare down the sheep and identify a pressure point among the group. They then use this focal point to navigate the herd, often without letting out a peep.

“The dogs are using their instincts to see how close they can get to the sheep without upsetting them, when to slow down, when to apply pressure, and where to hold the sheep as their handlers want,” Pucci said. “When a dog is respectful of the sheep and the sheep are being moved efficiently across the course … it’s beautiful.”

Pucci has years of national competitive experience, including a decade of performances at the annual Highland Games. She said

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festival goers can expect to see other national-level competitors at this year’s trials.

Competitors will perform in two runs — one on Saturday, July 14, and one on Sunday, July 15 — with finalists advancing to the Sunday afternoon competition.

There are cash prizes for all 10 finalists, but Pucci said the dog owners’ priorities are elsewhere.

“Our bigger drive is working with these dogs that we love and witnessing their abilities,” Pucci said.

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

July 2012 | goskagit.com

Fiddlers at the Games Fiddling was meant for dancing! And the fiddle can be traced back in Celtic culture to the invention of the violin in northern Italy.

Saturday, July 14 10:00 am-noon Pacific Northwest Regional Scottish Fiddle Competition 2:00–4:00 p.m. – Celtic Fiddle Session (fiddle stage)

carLos núñez

McIntyre Hall Presents

Sunday, July 15 9:00–10:00 a.m. – Beginning Scottish Fiddle Workshop (fiddle stage) 2:00–4:00 p.m. – Celtic Fiddle Session (fiddle stage)

$20 le On Sa st Augu 1st

Friday, October 26

360.416.7727 mcintyrehall.org 2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon

goskagit.com | July 2012

Bellingham Alive

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Music

at the Games

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aron Malcomb has been performing in Highland Games concerts through the Pacific Northwest for two decades, including eight Skagit County festivals.

He still recalls receiving his first practice chanter — a small weighted instrument used for practicing the bagpipe — at the Enumclaw Highland Games at 16 years old.

He used it to teach himself from then on, eventually gaining

Music connects today’s Celtic people Within the past 40 years, a Celtic revival of sorts has been underway. Not as a political meeting of minds, but rather based on music, language, art and history. Popular Celtic music especially has transcended national and political boundaries, followed closely by a renewed interest in ancient Celtic languages or dialects.

The Scots, Irish, Welsh, Manx from the Isle of Man, Cornish in England, Bretons in France, and Galicians in Spain don’t necessarily get along any better now than the old order of feisty tribes, but all their toes tap in unison when Celtic pipes, drums, fiddles and whistles play.

Whether you are a Celt by blood or an enthusiastic Celt-in-spirit, you are equally welcome to join the music, culture and festivities at the Highland Games.

The pipes, the pipes are calling...

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Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

enough familiarity with scales and ornamentation to be able to enroll into a music program at a small Presbyterian school with a Scottish heritage program.

From then on, he’s never looked back.

For about 15 years, Malcomb performed in pipe band and solo competitions at various Scottish festivals and concerts, all the while picking up other musical talents, such as fiddling and variations on the traditional Highland bagpipe.

The multi-instrumentalist is just one of many performers taking the stage throughout the weekend of July 14-15 at the Skagit Valley Highland Games.

Texas-based Celtic group Clandestine will be performing a free concert at 7 p.m. Friday, July 13, in Edgewater Park.

The Solo Piping and Drumming Competition will take place the following morning from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by ensemble competitions later in the afternoon.

Malcomb said his favorite aspect of the Highland Games isn’t necessarily the music, but rather the overall atmosphere.

“I know I can just go show up and go wherever I like and something will be happening,” said Malcomb. “There are enough things to do that I really don’t have to look around too hard. I have gotten to know everybody involved, so there are a lot of friends here.”

July 2012 | goskagit.com

Culture Tent Schedule Educational outreach is a big part of what the Celtic Arts Foundation is all about.

The culture tent, located just to the south of the main gate, is a place where all sorts of presentations are made on a range of topics about Scottish and Celtic history and culture.

Saturday 9:00 a.m.......... Open tent: Celtic history and cultural displays 10:00 a.m. ...... Culloden: A sad day in Scottish history: Presentation with Brian McGuiness 11:00 a.m........ How to Research your Celtic Ancestry: Laura Sparr & Skagit Genealogical Society 1:00 p.m......... Bagpipes: Types and kinds and what to listen for: Skye Richendrfer & friends 2:00 p.m......... Histories & traditions of three Scottish Clans: Johnstone, Macnachtan and Muir 3:00 p.m......... Clarsach culture—introduction to the Celtic Harp: Becky Fox 4:00 p.m......... Open tent: Celtic history and cultural displays

Sunday 9:00 a.m.......... Open tent: Celtic history and cultural displays 10:00 a.m. ...... Culloden: A sad day in Scottish history: Presentation with Brian McGuiness 11:00 a.m........ How to Research your Celtic Ancestry: Laura Sparr & Skagit Genealogical Society 1:00 p.m....... Bagpipes: Types and kinds and what to listen for: Skye Richendrfer & friends 2:00 p.m....... Histories & traditions of three Scottish Clans: Chisholm, Sinclair and Stewart 3:00 p.m....... Clarsach culture—introduction to the Celtic Harp: Harper Tasche, President of the Puget Sound Folk Harp Society 4:00 p.m....... Open tent: Celtic history and cultural displays goskagit.com | July 2012

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

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Chieftain of the Games

Betty Black

A

fter having participated in the Skagit Valley Highland Games for many years, 80-year-old Betty Black has earned a most revered title.

Black, of Mount Vernon, will be “Chieftain Of The Games” for the 2012 Highland Games, which runs July 14-15 at Edgewater Park. She’ll declare the games open and help preside over the weekend-long festival. “’Chieftain!’ I love that,” said Black.

Black’s ancestry is impeccable for her newly acquired title: She was born on the Isle of Skye, off Scotland’s west coast, and grew up in northern Scotland, “en route to Norway,” she said.

“I’m originally from Skye, so of course I have a great affinity for Skye (Richendrfer, CEO of the Celtic Arts Foundation, which puts on the Games),” Black said.

Black limits her involvement with the Highland Games in recent years, but her eyes visibly danced when she recounted the times that visiting bagpipers — in town to perform at the games — would find their way to Black’s backyard get-togethers.

“It would be after the games, and the pipers would come over and play,” Black said. “It was great.”

After the Highland Games, Black has plans to travel to Scotland — where she still has a house — with her grandson.

“I’ve got so many things going on,” Black said. “Busy is good! That’s what my daughters say: ‘Aren’t you lucky you’re not a little old lady, sitting in the corner, waiting for people to come!”

Food & Whisky

at the Games The Highland dancing, the Celtic fiddling, the caber-tossing. They’re all time-honored traditions at the Skagit Valley Highland Games.

But it takes a good helping of Scottish food fare — washed down with some good ol’ whisky — to really get the taste of the games.

SCOTTISH DRUMMING CURRICULUM offered at the

Seattle Drum School of Music www.seattledrumschool.com Call 206.364.8815 and ask to talk to Steve Smith

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Skagit Valley HigHland gameS & CeltiC FeStiVal

July 2012 | goskagit.com

Dr. James Monroe, president of the Celtic Arts Foundation

D

r. James Monroe sounds like he’s got the best of both worlds, when it comes to his roles in the Skagit Valley Highland Games.

Monroe is the current president of the Celtic Arts Foundation, Photo by Steven Dangerfield and has been volunteering for the festival for 18 years.

As president, he leads the eight-member board meetings, serving as a liaison between the Chief Executive Officer, the program assistant and the board.

“I’m sort of in-between,” Monore said. “I run the meetings and find the papers.”

But in addition to his administrative role, Monroe gets his hands dirty, and not figuratively.

For as long as he’s been involved with Highland Games, his chief responsibility has been constructing staging for dancers and other displays — “most anything” that needed building.

Monroe says that type of construction is one of many behind-the-scenes considerations of the festival, and he’s quick to heap praise upon the invaluable group of volunteers the festival utilizes each year.

“We have a couple of hundred volunteers,” Monroe said. “They’re super volunteers, that run each facet of the games — athletics, dancing, first aid, parking. They

know their business, and they enjoy being together.”

Putting together the Highland Games is a huge project, Monroe said, and there are numerous steps in the process, made easier by the personnel.

“We have a wonderful board,” Monroe said. “We have people of great ability; they’re so talented in their own professions. (My job) is not a hard job because they do theirs so well.”

Monroe also has a hand in the Celtic Culture Tent, where members of the various clans are invited to speak about their history. Oftentimes, clans will have crossed paths in the past, and that results in spirited conversations, Monroe said.

“Sometimes, members of one clan will end up talking about another clan,” he said.

The Highland Games is one of the Celtic Arts Foundation’s major events, Monroe said, but there are 10-12 additional events each year.

One of the other big productions takes place in February, when world-class bagpipers and drummers gather at Seabeck (near Bremerton), teach young musicians for several days and perform at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. But the Highland Games is the crown jewel of the summer.

“We’re very proud of our games, because we run the full menu of events,” Monroe said. “Everybody shows up and works hard. We just love doing it.”

Clans at the Games Clan Bailey Mukilteo, WA Clan Buchanan Lacey, WA Campbell Society of North America Mount Vernon, WA Clan Chisholm Tacoma, WA Clan Cian Lake Stevens, WA Clan Donald USA Tacoma, WA Clan Farquharson Cheney, WA Clan Gregor Tacoma, WA Clan Gunn Bellingham, WA Clan Hamilton Society Lynnwood, WA Clan Johnston/e in America Renton, WA Clan Lamont, Clan Muir, Lodge Alba, Slighe nan Gaidheal Gig Harbor, WA Clan Leslie Society International Issaquah, WA Clan MacIntyre Society La Conner, WA Clan MacKay Anacortes, WA Clan MacKenzie Society Bellingham, WA Clan MacLachlan Kent, WA Clan MacLaren Seattle, WA

goskagit.com | July 2012

Clan MacLea Kent, WA Clan MacLean Association Beaverton, OR Clan MacLeod Society USA Brier, WA Clan MacMillian Seattle, WA Clan Macnachtan Association Worldwide Yacolt, WA Clan McClellan Mountlake Terrace, WA Clan Clan Morrison Society Portland, OR Clan Munro Mount Vernon, WA Clan Sinclair Olympia, WA Clan Sutherland Everett, WA Clans of Ireland Clear Lake, WA Daughters of the British Empire in WA State Stanwood, WA Hood Canal Highland Celtic Festival Belfair, WA National Tartan Day Soc. Of Washington Tacoma, WA Northwest Junior Pipe Band Shoreline, WA Scottish American Military Society Kent, WA Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association Seattle, WA Whidbey Island Highland Games Freeland, WA

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

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Vendors

Bay City Ice Cream Bellingham, WA Food European Style Food Inc Vancouver, WA Food Fair Food & Bakery Snohomish, WA Food Linda’s Concessions Burlington, WA Food Rollin Snack Bar Concessions Mount Vernon, WA Food Sunblest Foods Arroyo Grande, CA Food You Found Us! Concessions Everson, WA Food Zieglers Bratwurst Haus Mill Creek, WA Food

Skagit Valley Weaver’s Guild Anacortes, WA Non-Profit Unicorn Tales Acting Group Everett, WA Non-Profit

Age of Chivalry Mariposa, CA Merchandise/Vending Back to Bali Seattle, WA Merchandise/Vending Bagpipediscs.com Sammamish, WA Merchandise/Vending C & T Global Enterprises Scottsdale, AZ Merchandise/Vending Card Café Seattle, WA Merchandise/Vending Celtic Belle Port Townsend, WA Merchandise/Vending Celtic Jackalope Glendora, CA Merchandise/Vending Celtic Moonlighting & Elfen Design Port Angeles, WA Merchandise/Vending Elfen Design Henna Tattooing Ferndale, WA Merchandise/Vending Elfstone Celtic Jewelry Snohomish, WA Merchandise/Vending Frontier Communications Burlington, WA Merchandise/Vending History of Names Rogue River, OR Merchandise/Vending Innovative Stitches Renton, WA Merchandise/Vending Memories Headwear Eastsound, WA Merchandise/Vending Runecraft Creations Federal Way, WA Merchandise/Vending Scottish Sword and Shield Federal Way, WA Merchandise/Vending SteelCraft/Legends of Camelot Bothell, WA Merchandise/Vending Tartan Thistle Freeland, WA Merchandise/Vending The Heelan’ Hound’ Misenheimer, NC Merchandise/Vending Wandering Angus Celtic Traders Port Townsend, WA Merchandise/Vending Wolf Den Leather San Diego, CA Merchandise/Vending

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Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Volunteers Cate Anderson Children’s Events Howard Anderson Electrical Steve Baughn Photo Ward Beebe Fiddle/Session Bud Bowers Special Ops Charles Boyd Parking Jerry Bromberger First Aid Mary Bromberger Beer Garden Anna Bromberger Volunteers Gary Brown Photo Mairi Campbell Clans/Gates Rob Campbell Clans/Special Ops Tara Coder Parking/Farm Margaret I. Driscoll Music/Session Kelly Dodd Vendors Jan Gould Finance Amra Graham Hospitality Sue Gregg Athletics Bob Ham Athletics Jill Hilde Finance Chuck Hurt Finance Micah Kelley Whisky Tent Michael King Gate Super./Special Ops Jack Herring Country Dance TJ Larrick Gate Supervisor Bruce McBane Special Ops Brian McGuiness Culture Tent/Special Ops Pat McLatchy Special Ops Marilyn McLean Finance Pam McNaughton CAF Booth/Command Aaron Malcomb Music/Session Jim Monroe Special Ops Michele Norman CAF Skip Pass Special Ops Heather Richendrfer Highland Dancing Skye Richendrfer Miscellaneous Sally Richendrfer Parking Craig Sjostrom Special Ops Elizabeth Sjostrom Command Tina Tate Lead Gate Supervisor Bill Toomey Finanace Susan Trenary Horses Sally Verrinder Harp/Session July 2012 | goskagit.com

Thank You to the 2012 Skagit Valley Highland Games Sponsors!

Thanks to these many generous BUSINESSES for their in-kind suppport!

CORPORATE SPONSORS ($2000+)

Sage Foundation Edmund Wattis & Laura Littlefield, Jr.

Blade Chevrolet Cascade Mall Children’s Museum of Skagit County Fisher & Sons Holland Healthcare Services, Inc. Karl’s Paints Mount Vernon Auto Repair & Towing Northwest Handspun Yarns RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Skagit Farmer’s Supply/Cenex Skagit Gardens Skagit Search and Rescue Valley Farm Center

HIGHLAND GAMES EVENT SPONSORS ($1000+)

INDIVIDUAL MAJOR DONORS

$65,000+ Mr. & Mrs. Edmund Wattis and Laura Littlefield, Jr.

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

$5,000-$15,000 Anonymous Sally Childs and Skye Richendrfer, in memory of Dr. Donald S. Childs, Jr. $1000-$4,999 Ms. Ruth Marie Flucke & Mr. Rod MacKenzie Judge John M. & Mrs. Susan Meyer Mrs. Betty Black Mr. & Mrs. John Brock Capt. Brian McGuiness USNR (Ret.) Mr. & Mrs. Chuck and Jan Gould Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Linda Briggs $500-$999 Capt. John Callahan NOAA (Ret.) Mr. & Mrs. Tyrone & Rachel Heade Dr. Jason & Mrs. Jill Hilde Ms. Joan Penney & Mr. David Ryberg Mr. & Mrs. Bobby & Susan Salsitz Mr. & Mrs. Craig & Elizabeth Sjostrom Mr. John MacKinnon & Ms. Melanie Youhanna $200-$499 Mr. Eric Alexander Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Anna Bayley Mr. & Mrs. Alec & Cheryl Buchan Dr. & Mrs. Stuart & Maureen Childs Ms. Paula McCandlis & Mr. Joseph Dozal Mr. John Grant Mr. & Mrs. Pat and Jim Grenfell Dr. James Ford Mr. & Mrs. Bryson & Alisoun McCloughen Mr. & Mrs. Alec & Sandy McDougall Ms. Marilyn McLean Ms. Pamela McNaughton Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Judy Shand Mr. & Mrs. Guy & Pika Stratton Mr. & Mrs. William J. Toomey Mr. L. Stedem Wood

goskagit.com | July 2012

Grandy Lake Forest Associates

Skagit Valley HigHland gameS & CeltiC FeStiVal

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