RECENT CLAN YOUNG EVENT! - CHICAGO, IL

     The year’s edition of the Ligonier Scottish Highland Games was held on September 18, 2021 at Idlewild Amusement Park near Ligonier, Pennsylvania. This park is located about one hour east of Pittsburgh and is one of the largest Scottish events in this region of the USA. In light of the unfortunate cancellation of the Wisconsin Scottish Games due to the current pandemic, Clan Young was forced to find an alternate venue for its annual gathering and meeting (AGM) and the Ligonier Games came through with flying colors. 

     In view of the pandemic, this year’s edition was reduced from two days to only Saturday. This was apparent with a fewer number of vendors, bagpipes bands, and contestants in other musical and dance events. Still though, there were a representative number of clans, there regents all anxious to again participate after last year’s hiatus. Furthermore, the Games drew a huge crowd and there was much of Scottish culture to observe and experience. Additionally, the weather was near perfect - sunny with temperatures rising to the low 80’s in the afternoon. Many of us even sought the shade of the clan tents for the bulk of the afternoon.

     We were busy at the Clan Young tent all day. In addition to Executive Board members President Linda Young-Sheiko, Herald Randy Young, new Webmaster Stephen M. Young and yours truly (Vice President and Genealogist), we were foremost joined by my better half Susan and clan member Bill Snyder. Bill was gracious to supply a second tent, several tables, and multiple folding chairs. Susan baked four varieties of Scottish shortbread for this event- original, lemon, orange, and chocolate. After sampling each batch or type, I cannot personally voice an opinion at my preference or the best of the four flavors. 

     The list of other visitors to our Clan Young tent was quite extensive. President Linda’s nephew, Lance Sailor, brought his wife Susie and daughters Sarah and Victoria from Parkville, MD. Sarah is a student at a local college near Pittsburgh.  Bill Snyder was joined by his son Will (new member), his wife Missy, and daughter Peyton, and his daughter Molly Snyder with friend Derek Hoagland. Derek was kind to cover the tent during the mid-day parade of clans (in which Clan Young clearly had the largest group).  Several other visitors were my cousin and new member Nancy Sumner-Williams and the family of Russell Young, a friend of Bill Snyder’s, from Pittsburgh. 

     After an absence of several years, we were very glad to see Joanne Kishel.  She became a new member and brought a large family contingent consisting of her daughters Kimberly and Karrie, their spouses Robert Rhodes and Bruce Roberts (respectively), and their children Hayden Rhodes and Ruby, Rosewyn, and Ridley Roberts. Hayden, a young man of considerable stature, was outfitted in full Scottish garb. Kerrie’s husband, Bruce Roberts, was able to attend only the subsequent banquet and surprisingly won one of the raffle prizes. He graciously wanted to return the prize, stating that he was not present earlier during the day and was not at this time a member, but we persuaded him to keep the gift for his family. By the way, the other raffle prize was won by yours truly. I am not certain that this drawing was done credibly; the host is not supposed to win a prize. 

     Member Debbie Boisson brought a second large family contingent, consisting of her daughters Roxanne and Merrie, their husbands Lance Lewis and Chad Cyktor (respectively), and their children Jackson Lewis, and Claire and Meadow Cyktor. We were also joined during the afternoon by members Justin and Megan Young with daughter Avery. Megan worked much of the day at the genealogy tent and reportedly had as many as 15 people waiting for their turn to confer with her and her knowledge. Near the end of the day, we received two new visitors Amber and Isabella Young. Isabella, daughter to Amber, is a member of one the competing pipe bands and capable of playing several musical instruments. They promptly became new members and promised to bring husband/father Kirk Young to next year’s games.

     Most of the attendees to the Games joined us in the evening for the banquet/dinner and meeting at Chef Dato’s Table near Derry, PA. This restaurant offered a Scottish fare of soup or salad appetizer, a choice from four entrees, and Scottish whiskey breaded pudding for dessert. Counting the children, we had a total of thirty-four attendees, a huge number. In addition to the dinner, meeting, and raffle prizes, we enjoyed a toast to the Clan and our dearly departed members with traditional Scotch supplied by Randy Young.