PAST NEWS
The 2007 All Things Scottish CelticFest - A Great Day! What can I say? We asked for people to volunteer and pitch in and did everyone ever respond! I'm sitting here having finished dishes from the festival with my shoes off - finally! My deepest thanks go out to all
- from those who drove in from the Quad Cities, Des Moines, and places throughout the Midwest (and further?); to all our members who gave that last bit of energy after saying 'never again'! I offer my thanks, and if I didn't get a chance to see you or speak with you, I am humbled by the success of the day. When I spoke with Darrin Crow from Usher's Ferry around 4 PM he told me that at the 2 -3 PM timeframe, 850 people had come through the gates! [Final tally was 1000 through the gate.]
Of course, we have blessings to give for the weather - it could not have been better! The entertainment was superb. I only wish I were 50 years younger so I could try Irish dancing. And if I could get in shape, I could participate in the Highland Games - well done everyone. Kurt and I got to watch the games a bit for the first time today and were we impressed! We both mentioned that it looked like great sport. The vendors were fun and had lots of tempting (of course, I bought) goodies for all of us. The tea room products were delicious and I heard great compliments on the food. And of course, the pipes and singing and other music, dancers and harpists and everything was awesome. Some of my co-workers attended for the first time this year and had a blast! Not only weren't they familiar with Usher's Ferry, they were blown away by the festival.
From the scouts and greeters to the people who cart away our trash - everyone was super! I thank you all. I look forward to our next meeting to evaluate this fest and plan for the future. My only regrets were that Angela didn't get to enjoy it, but we've got sausage rolls set aside for her. And all those who have either moved away, or are no longer with us, we miss you. So, all you Celts, or Celt "wannabes" who are Celts in spirit - toast each other! You deserve it! Thanks
Cindy Gunther
H.A.G.G.I.S. President
[And - A HUGE thanks to Cindy, our amazing Pres. - from all of us!] The 2007 Knobbly Knees King
The 2007 Knobbly Knees King is Lew Boyd from Chicago.
Above, he shows off his winning knee and his prize. 2007 CelticFest Scholarship and Grant Awardees
Pictured above are Agnes, Ian & John Williams, Gregg and Felicia MacDonald and Jim Jenkins.
Ian Williams, Gregg & Felicia MacDonald were awarded H.A.G.G.I.S. academic scholarships.
Jim Jenkins, piper, received a grant from the Anne Burns Memorial for Celtic Performing Arts 2007 HAGGIS PICNIC NEWS
From President Cindy Gunther, July 23, 2007 For the 25 people (by my count) who were able to attend the picnic, I believe it was a success. The food was great! Lots of salads and deserts plus hot dogs, bangers and hamburgers. Vicky Hughes, who recently retired from her leadership position at Ushers Ferry Historic Village, was presented with a certificate honoring all her hard work supporting us during years of CelticFests, as well as a five-year membership award. Peter Dunbar was presented with a scholarship to travel to his clan gathering in Colorado. Congratulations to both!
There was a brief discussion regarding the festival scheduled for September 22. Because of some conflicting work schedules for at least 3 of the long time volunteers, we're going to need people to step up and pitch in at the kitchen as well as the tea room. Let us know what you're willing to help with - we need everyone who's helped in the past as well as many new participants. We'll be scheduling a planning meeting in the next week or so to get details firmed up. On another note - I came home with 3 less serving spoons than I took - so if anyone has them, please let me know. Lots of photos were taken today and Sarah and I will be working up some publicity articles for local papers.
Thanks to everyone who attended and hopefully those who were unable to are either on the mend, have friends on the mend or were able to enjoy the beautiful Sunday. As Marilyn put it - 'tis too fine a day for Scotsmen!'
Farewell to Vicki Hughes Vicki is retiring from her position at Ushers Ferry. We thank her for the many years of help and cooperation in planning and presenting the All Things Scottish CelticFest. She has been an amazing woman to work with, cheerful, accommodating, yet always mindful of the best interests of Ushers Ferry. We will miss working with Vicki and look forward to getting to know Darrin Crow, who is taking Vicki's place. HAGGIS ANNUAL MEETING - ELECTION OF 2007-2008 OFFICERS The HAGGIS Annual Meeting was held Sunday, March 25th from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Gudrum Parlor, Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids. Lynne McDole has stepped down after serving for many years as President. Cindy Gunther moved up from Vice-President to President. Angela Swallom was elected as the new Vice-President to fill Cindy's shoes. Angela will also remain the State Representative. All other officers remain the same, although Corresponding Secretary, Heidi Haney will step down once a replacement comes forward to take over as Secretary and Newsletter Editor. A BIG THANK YOU to Lynne for her time as President and to all the officers and HAGGIS Council members for a job well-done this past year. A FAREWELL We are sad to report that long-time member Edith Ericson passed away on Friday, March 23, 2007 of leukemia. A memorial service will be held in Milwaukee, where she has lived for a number of years, on Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Edie's obituary will appear in the Cedar Rapids Gazette at a later date. Edie is survived by her son, Paul, her mother Mary Alice Ericson , and her sister, Emily, the latter two who are members of H.A.G.G.I.S. Our heart go out to them in this time of loss. BURNS SUPPER 2007 View part of the program from the 2007 Burns Supper (.pdf file) WINNERS OF THE DESSERT CONTEST: Most Delicious: white and chocolate brownies - Bryon Stump
Most Authentic: shortbread - Agnes Williams
Best Presentation: fruit torte - Janet Bailey QUEEN OF TARTS - Oor ain Scottish Borders Lass, Agnes Williams was crowned Queen of Tarts for her shortbread entry in the dessert contest, and also received the bouquet of thistles. She later sang us some Scottish tunes. THE EVENING: Although I won't write an exhaustive report of the evening, suffice it to say that everyone enjoyed the meal and the Scottish country dances. The raffle was a huge success. Piping was by Society Piper, Craig Hazelbaker with his new bagpipes. Wil Roberson piped for Morgan Hazelbaker, and Jennifer Davis while they led some wee lasses in Highland Dances.
The Honor Guard were members of the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS). Ray Davis did a marvelous job on "To a Haggis". The toasts were wonderful. George Curtis had the entire hall laughing with his Toast to the Lasses, a comparison of women to beer!?! Bob Ballantyne sang a Burns song and read a poem of his own for the "Immortal Memory" of Robert Burns.
The evening finished off with all present holding hands in a large circle and singing "Auld Lang Syne", as is our custom. MANY thanks to the officers and HAGGIS Council, and all the volunteers, for organizing the event! - Barb Horak Slide Shows from the 2006 All Things Scottish CelticFest held September 23, 2006 at Ushers Ferry Historic Village. Also a click the link to the Highland Games Results. It was a great day! MANY THANKS to all the participants and especially to all the hard working HAGGIS members, volunteers and the great staff at Ushers Ferry. 
Grants awarded at September 23rd All Things Scottish CelticFest
Two awards were presented to the Stapleton School of Highland Dance, one from The Anne Burns Memorial for Celtic Performing Arts, and a matching amount in the form of a H.A.G.G.I.S. Grant. Pictured are (l to r) HAGGIS President, Lynne McDole; Scholarship Chair, Ann Gerdts; Anne Stapleton of the Stapleton School of Highland Dance; and Bob Ballantyne, brother to the late Anne Burns. 2006 H.A.G.G.I.S. Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting was held Sunday, February 26th 2006 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gundrum Parlor at Christ Episcopal Church, 220 40th St. NE, Cedar Rapids. A number of decisions were made by the HAGGIS Council and attending members. - Life-time Membership will be $100 until April 6th, 2006 (Tartan Day) after which time it will be $125 and increase by $25 increments each April 6th until it reaches the $200 level. If you are interested in obtaining a life-time membership, now is the time to do it before the price increases! - Sheila Urquhart was recognized for her hard work as Treasurer. The Urquharts will be moving to Georgia soon. It was voted to grant them Honorary Life-time Membership in recognition of their many years of service to the club. Gordon has been on the Scholarship Committee and has acted as MC many times. Both have sung with the HAGGIS Singers, sung as a duo for us at the CelticFests and Burns Suppers, baked and served and recited and toasted, etc. - both have always been ready and willing to help out where needed. We thank them for their dedication to HAGGIS and wish them well. We will miss them! - The HAGGIS Council will meet on the 25th day of each month. If the 25th falls on a weekday the meeting time will be 6 p.m. If it falls on a weekend, the time will be determined beforehand. All members are welcome to attend these meeting. Lynne will look into where our new meeting place will be. - Sarah Swallom was appointed as Social Chair. She will be working on organizing fun events for our monthly meetings. - We are in need of someone to help out with Children's Activities. Please contact an officer or board member if you can help! - Elections: Lynne McDole and Cindy Gunther will stay on as President and Vice-President, and Heidi Haney will continue as Corresponding Secretary. Our newly elected officers are: Treasurer, Felicia MacDonald, replacing Sheila Urquhart; and Recording Secretary, Scott Haney, replacing Barb Horak. Thanks to those that brought the goodies, and thanks to Ann Gerdts for organizing the meeting room. - Barb Horak
(who has now retired from being an officer and is on leave from the Council, but will continue to do the web site! )
:-)
The 16th Annual Burns Supper
The Hawkey Area Grand Gaelic Isles Society's Sixteenth Annual Burns Supper was held at 3rd Street Live in Cedar Rapids on Saturday evening, January 21st, 2006 with about 140 members and guests attending. We were very pleased to have members of the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS) present to give an impressive posting of the colors. Society Piper Craig Hazelbaker piped for the "Procession of H.A.G.G.I.S Officers", and the Haggis Procession. Gordon Urquhart gave the Address to the Haggis and Scott Haney, the Selkirk Grace. MC Ann Gerdts noted that this is the last time Gordon will be able to lend his Scottish accent to our ceremonies as he and his wife, Sheila, (also our treasurer) will be moving to Georgia soon. Best of luck in your new life, Gordon and Sheila!
The dinner menu consisted of the traditional haggis, tatties & neeps as well as ham, peas, soda bread, drinks and desserts brought in by members. Dennis Hunter was recognized for his excellent haggis. A dessert contest was held with President Lynne McDole retaining her crown as "Queen of Tarts" for another year. Agnes Williams won recognition for "most traditional" for her shortbread.
Toasts, both serious and humorous, given during the dinner were: Craig Hazelbaker's "To the United States"; Sheila Urquhart's "To Scotland"; Ann Gerdts' "To the Queen"; Westan James' "To the Lasses" with a reply from his wife Carolyn Lyon-James, "To the Lads". "Robert Burns' Immortal Memory" was given by George Curtis. The gathering toasted both the subjects of the toast, and the toast givers!
A H.A.G.G.I.S. Grant was awarded to Peter Dunbar to help him carry out his duties as a Clan Representative in the Midwest. A H.A.G.G.I.S. scholarship was awarded to Ian Williams to continue his education at the University of Northern Iowa.
Ceilidh Dancing led by Angela Swallom followed the dinner, and was the favorite part of the evening for many. Dances were interspersed with calling of raffle winners, singing by Agnes Williams, singing by the HAGGIS SIngers joined by members of the Celtic band, Wylde Nept, piping on the chanter by students of piper Craig Hazelbaker, and highland dance by Jennifer Davis, accompanied by piper Willie Robison. A portion of the proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Anne Burns Memorial Award for Celtic Performing Arts fund.
As always, the evening ended by the entire gathering joining hands in a huge circle and singing "Auld Lang Syne". It was a great night.
Thanks to Lynne McDole, Felicia MacDonald, Heidi Haney and Barb Horak for the majority of organization for the evening. Also thanks to the soda bread bakers, the dessert makers, the food line volunteers, and to all others that helped in any way.
Special thanks to Pat & Mike Cross of the "Yorkshire Rose" in Dubuque for sending bags of cakes, candy tablet and a beautiful tartan blanket for our raffle, and to all who contributed prizes for the raffle.
Finally, thanks once again to 3rd Street Live for donating their wonderful hall for us to use for the night, and working with us to make another lovely night for our Burns Supper. - Barb Horak
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ALL THINGS SCOTTISH CELTICFEST was held September 24, 2005, at Ushers Ferry Historic Village in Cedar Rapids. A big THANKS to all the loyal volunteers without whom we could not pull the festival off, especially to our non-member friends who so graciously help us out! We deeply appreciate your willingness to give of your time and talents! And THANKS to the tireless HAGGIS officers and Council Members who work so hard for so many months, spending hours and hours in planning and setting up the various parts of the festival. Also our appreciation goes out to our fine entertainers, gamesmen, clans, vendors and the Ushers Ferry staff. Although we had a bit of rain there were about 500 through the gate along with 50+ entertainers, MANY volunteers, gamesmen (and women). See the Celticfest page to see the events and entertainers that we had this year. Scholarship and Grants:
Presentation of the first Anne Burns Memorial for Celtic Performing Arts was made to Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums member Rosalind Buda. This memorial was set up by HAGGIS to honor our late friend and past-president, Anne Burns, who passed away suddenly in December 2004. Anne's husband, Bill Burns, and her brother, Robert Ballantyne, presented the award. HAGGIS Grants were presented to beginning bagpipe students, Paige Milbach and Matthew Milbach. Rosalind Buda was also the recipient of a HAGGIS Scholarship to help with college expenses. Knobbly Knees King - The 2005 Knobbly Knee King was chosen from a large contingent of vying knees in the most amusing portion of the Celticfest. The kilties strutted their stuff, while Agnes Williams of HAGGIS and a young woman from the audience felt their knees for knobbliness. One sock contained a candy bar bribe (our ain Willy), but the bribery was in vain. Mike Shaw, a Clan Shaw representative from Des Mones, Iowa took the crown from Jamie Gerdts, the retiring 2004 King. The event ended with all participants welcomed to a bonfire ceilidh on the festival grounds. It was a great ending to a successful day. Highland Games - 2005 Highland Games Results ( .pdf file will open in another window) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anne Burns A Tribute to our past President Anne Burns, who left this world so suddenly on December 28, 2004.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  | The 15th Annual Burns Supper was held Saturday, January 22 at Third Street Live in Cedar Rapids. The event was nearly cancelled due to blizzard conditions in the morning, but the weather cleared and many braved the road conditions to attend. Members pitched in to cover tasks for those that were missing, and we wish to thank them for it. Haggis, Tatties and Neeps, soda bread, and many delicious potluck dishes were served; no one went away hungry. There were also plenty of desserts for all.
The 2005 Queen of Tarts was awarded to Lynne McDole. Dennis Hunter won a prize for his bread pudding, and Melinda and Michelle Hunter won for their Black Forest Torte. Honorary judges for the Dessert Contest were Bob and Alice Burns, and Scott and Mary Ballantyne.
A $400 scholarship was awarded to Ian Williams for his studies at UNI, and a $600 grant went to the Scottish American Military Society, Iowa Chapter (SAMS) to help buy flags, poles and harnesses for parades and other events.
Monies collected through this year's raffle go to a fund in memory of Anne Burns. Barb Horak spoke in honor of Anne and she and Agnes Williams sang "Will Ye Go Lassie, Go", which was Anne's favorite Scottish song.
Craig Hazelbaker and Willy Robison played the pipes for us and ceilidh dancing was enjoyed by all ages. The evening ended with all of us joining hands in a circle and singing "Auld Lang Syne".
Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's supper a great event! |
|  All Things Scottish CelticFest 2004 was held on Saturday, October 2nd at Ushers Ferry Historic Village It was a lovely, sunny day with a good crowd. Thanks to all the hard working organizers, volunteers, clans, performers, vendors and wonderful Ushers Ferry staff, it was a great success. THANK YOU to all who participated! 2004 Knobbly Knees King is Jamie Gerdts of Cedar Rapids! 2004 Highland Games Results, from Gamesmaster, Chris "Bubba" Piper |
| Warrior Pipes & Drums Receive HAGGIS Grant
A high school pipe band from Waukee, Iowa was awarded a H.A.G.G.I.S. grant during All Things Scottish CelticFest 2004, held October 2, 2004. The grant was awarded to help defray costs of outfitting the band's members in kilts made from the new "regular" Iowa Tartan. H.A.G.G.I.S. is pleased and proud to be able to help the young band. The Warriors performed for us for the first time during the festival to the enjoyment of the crowd. Sue Seidenfeld gave me a photo of the Warriors to share with the membership. Lookin' good, Warriors! Click the photo to enlarge it.
| | Edinburgh Day was held on August 29th at the "Ghost Town" of Edinburgh, northeast of Anamosa. It is a pioneer village of 12 buildings on the site of what was once a town, maintained by the Jones County Historical Society. The HAGGIS Singers performed there for the third time, with a good sized audience. We sang our Scottish medley of songs interspersed with solos from Agnes Williams, Jim Jenkins on voice and pipes, a duet by the Urquharts, and a duet by Bob Ballantyne and Barb Horak. Gordon U. and Agnes MC'd for us, and a great time was had by all! Barb's husband was in the crowd and said it was the best he had ever heard us perform!
Something to keep in mind .... Ann Gerdts thought maybe it would be a good place to hold our Annual HAGGIS picnic next year! It is a lovely afternoon for family fun with lots for children to see and do. An Ode To Men In Kilts
by HAGGIS member, Lynne McDole As a lass,
I speak for all.
There's nae a man
Too wee nor tall,
Nor stout, nor lean,
Nor slightly built,
Who does nae look fine,
When he's wearin' a kilt. And if ye should opt
To go "without",
Be prepared, lad,
For a lassie's shout
O' delight & joy
At what she sees -
A dandy pair
O' knobbly knees! So wear it, men,
With passion & zest,
Knowin' full well that
You're lookin' your best!
And surely some lassie
Will loudly proclaim,
"Hands off, girls!
I'm takin' 'im hame!!" | | Shinty! We had an email from I.S. McCormick who plays shinty at Edinburgh University. He had run a search for shinty (instead of studying for his exams) and came up with the article about shinty in our "archives". He wrote that we are welcome to contact them at any time for information on the game. The team will be gearing up for competition again in the winter months. It will be fun to take a peek and see how they are doing! It looks like they also have a lot of fun! Take a look at their web site.
| | Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums competed at Springfield Highland Games - Wins first place! From Craig Hazelbaker, May 21
This last weekend (May 15), the band went to Springfield, Illinois for the first full band competition of the season. The band came back with the first place trophy in hand!!
A few quotes from the scoring sheets: "Well played, folks!" "Excellent goals being set here" "Pipes lovely" "Chanters full, drones well tuned" "Excellent playing for grade, intelligent thought has gone producing a performance like this". "Really enjoyable to listen to. Well done."
There were also some constructive criticisms; we're not Grade 1 yet.
Score sheets also showed Iowa Scottish as 1st in piping, drumming, and ensemble. Best drum section was Iowa Scottish.
The band fielded 9 pipers and 4 drummers, and played a medley of tunes, including hornpipes, jigs, slow airs, strathspeys and reels.
After a successful season last year, the Midwest Pipe Band Association moved the band up to Grade 3 (after having been in Grade 4 for only one season). The band now competes in a much more demanding, difficult-to-achieve level. In fact, there are only 6 bands in the Midwest at Grade 3, compared to 22 in Grade 4.
- Craig Hazelbaker Although Craig didn't play, he helped setting the drones and helped set the chanters. He said "I'll tell you; they EARNED it. It was great. Good enough that I had tears in my eyes when they came off the circle." Congratulations to the ISP&D from HAGGIS! Good going you guys! - Barb |
| Iowa Tartans - see information at Iowa Tartans page
The proposed Iowa Tartan was well-represented at the CelticFest this year. Talented seamstress Ann Gerdts created a long vest for Anne Burns, a long wrap-around straight skirt for Barb Horak, and a straight skirt, vest, and sash for herself out of material they had ordered on-line. The three modeled their Iowa Tartan outfits on-stage and it was announced several times from the stage where to find information on the Internet about purchasing the tartan. Cards with ordering information were also available at the information tent.
One man from Dubuque told Barb he was going to have a kilt made out of the tartan, and several people asked again how to purchase it and where to find more information. Ann Gerdts reported that the Frugal Scot sold all the Iowa Tartan rosettes she had made. The HAGGIS singers had worn the rosettes when they performed at the Celtic Highland Games of the Quad Cities, and people there are interested in ordering some. Barb received an email from Sue Seidenfeld, pipe sergeant with the Iowa Scottish Pipes & Drums. She is teaching piping to students at the Waukee, Iowa school, and they will be wearing the non-dress version of Iowa Tartan at some date in the future. The word is getting out!
If you are considering having something made in either of the Iowa Tartans, you can find ordering information on our Iowa Tartans page, as well as a link to J. Higgins, Ltd., kiltmaker, of Kansas City. Our web-site graphics were made from... you guessed it ... Iowa Tartan!
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| Read about Craig Hazelbaker, our Society Piper - on his website & in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier on-line newspaper. Craig is currently preparing for compeition in the US Silver Medal piobaireachd competition. If he is successful in the Silver Medal, he intends on seriously hitting the Canadian circuit, with the goal of someday competing for the Gold Medal at Oban and/or Inverness in Scotland. Best of luck, Craig, from all your friends in HAGGIS!!
| | Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums competed at the Celtic Highland Games of the Quad Cities (held August 23, 2003) and tied for first place in their division. However, according to member Willy Robison, due to a couple of points difference in ensemble score was placed 2nd. CONGRATULATIONS all you handsome Iowa pipers! The ISPD will be performing for us at our CelticFest 2003! See their web site for more competition results! Also hear MP3 samples from their CD "Traditions" at the site!
| | IT WAS A GREAT DAY!
ALL THINGS SCOTTISH CELTIC FEST 2003 was held October 11, 2003 from 11 a.m. to 6 p. m., at Ushers Ferry Historic Village.  | A big THANKS to all the loyal volunteers who made the festival possible, especially to our non-member friends who so graciously help us out! We could not do the event without you, and we deeply appreciate your willingness to give of your time and talents! And THANKS to the HAGGIS officers and Council Members who work so hard for so many months, and to all the entertainers, gamesmen, clans, vendors and the Ushers Ferry staff. It was a Grrrrrreat Day!
| | Grant Presentation - H.A.G.G.I.S. was very pleased to present our Society Piper, Craig Hazelbaker with a Monetary Grant to aid him in preparing for compeition in the US Silver Medal piobaireachd competition.
| |  Knobbly Knees King - The judges had a very hard choice to make, especially since there were, "GASP", several bribes tucked into socks (one VERY sizeable), as well as messages written on knees. However, the judges, determined to be honorable, chose Dennis Hunter of Brandon, Iowa, as the 2003 Knobbly Knees King. Congratulations, Dennis - after 4 years of trying! Mac Young, our very FIRST Knobbly Knees King was on hand to take a bow this year - it was great to see him!
The rain held off for most of the afternoon and finally ended Wylde Nept's late afternoon performance prematurely with a downpour. After the festival ended, some of the participants, musicians and Iowa Pipes and Drums members adjourned to Deanoz where we were seranaded by Wylde Nept and an impromptu performance by pipers from the Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums. THANKS so much to Sarah Swallom and mom Angela for the refreshments and snacks! |
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Containing:The History of Tartan
Learn Some Gaelic
Our 10th Anniversary Burns Supper
A Band Called Haggis!
SHINTY, A Unique Highland Game
Colloquially Speaking!
E-mail to HAGGIS from HAGGIS (model railroad group)
THE YORKSHIRE ROSE, British import shop in Dubuque 
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