Despite all the bad weather this past month, the day of the Festival dawned bright and beautiful.
It was a gorgeous day, and everyone was in a cheerful mood because of it. Probably due to Mother Nature's ongoing
snit, and the current high price of petrol, many of those who had promised to appear didn't. It was their loss.
This was the best Celtic Beltane Festival we have had.
Both Frances Acar and Brian McElhiney dealt with last minute cancellations, substitutions, and additions
with a quiet efficiency that speaks wonders about their patience and adaptability. The Sas'y Team was nothing less than
wonderful. We had lots of helpers, all willing to pitch in. Sometimes they did very little - merely being "back
up" but that is a very necessary function. Some, like those in the parking lot and at the gate, worked in the hot sun
and did a heck of a good job. Thanks to Jon & Kim Belvin, Katie Tetzel, Emma Tidwell, Shay Harvey, and David MacIntosh.
Russ and Ken Luyster acted as emcee and stage manager. With their good cheer and ever present smiles
despite the organized confusion, they set the tone for the day. Bob & Jim Morehead quietly manage the sound system
- making our event look professional with their competence. Must say, these guys have done a fantastic job
from the very first. At the first festival, they came to the rescue at the last minute and have been with us ever since.
We could not manage without them. Bill Kennedy, who organized that first festival, sang the National Anthem so beautifully
this year, it brought a tear to your eye.
Gene & Betty Marcus organize the gates and total gate receipts. It is a fundamental necessity,
but not one a whole lot of people would be able to do as well. Duane Burrell and his wife were there for back-up assistance.
Thanks to Liz and Dave Belvin, who organized the sales items and the baskets for the basket raffle. There were some
really neat items in those baskets. Dave built our very sturdy dance floor and provides a lot of muscle power for setting
up and tearing down. Thanks, too, to Amy and Lexi Barrington who helped Liz with her sales table.
The Membership Table was staffed by Dave and Dianne Allison, aided by Janet Hilton and Kathryn Krautwurst
who were also there to provide First Aid. Donne Shepperly contacted the clans for representation at the festival.
We were happy to see so many, and so professionally done. Of course, Donne always does a great job with Clan Donald.
Ann Douglas Heflin did an outstanding job for Clan Douglas, Pam and Dennis Gressock had a fascinating display of his Revolutionary
War gear, Clan Claus was there with Santa Kona and all his helpers. The Muirhead Clan was well represented and granddaughter
Timmie performed with the Tigh na Creige dancers. Bev Kincaid and Chris came up from Cincinnati to display and sell
their Tartan Tags and other items.
Lori Neidert was there for Clan Gordon, doing her usual competent job. Dreama Powell brought the wonderful
music of the NEO Harpers. Christy Urquhart Walsh brought her excellent dancers, plus she and Tim ran the Children's
Games. Performances by the Heather Belles, the Akron Ceili Band, and the pipe bands - Gleann Mor and Celtic Eagle -
brought well deserved applause. The highland athletes came down from the hill and mingled with the audience, answering
questions and making them aware of their events. A special trophy was presented in the name of our own Agnes Bagley
to the Outstanding Athlete of the Day. Agnes was there, but it was a long day for her. She left before the trophy
was presented, but I will long remember watching her dancing as she went to the door, hanging onto her walker. She is
amazing.
People came from quite a distance to attend, and we were grateful. Among those faces seen were:
Dorothea Kingsbury from Cleveland Hts, Richard and Dorothy Jean McHugh from Wellington, Cathy Gilchrist from Bay Village,
Jean Weaver from Lakewood and Vicky Weaver from Rocky River. Brad Walker got drafted for clean up. He came late
and on his motorcycle - which is why he wasn't wearing his kilt. I can understand, but it would have been interesting
to see. Julie McElhiney was having a better day and came to stay for awhile, bringing Miss Meghan with her. We
wish her many, many more good days - we were just happy to see her.
I personally owe a ton of thanks to my beloved husband who puts up with so much in getting ready for the
festival. Special thanks always to Frances, who makes it all happen. All who were present at the end of the day
joined hands and sang "For Auld Lang Syne" and we will carry those pleasant memories for another year.
I'm sure I've missed someone, but please know that it takes a great team to put on a festival like
this - and Team Sas'y obviously qualifies. Pat yourselves on the back, folks. It was a super festival - the best
ever. We will be able to make a substantial gift to Pegasus. That in itself makes it all worthwhile.
*****************************************************
