BICG 4

[piper]

On behalf of the Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums, I wish to thank everybody for the 100,000 warm Beaver Island welcomes we received at the 4th Annual Beaver Island Celtic Games this past weekend.

From our arrival Friday to our departure Sunday, we were treated as family. Old friends and new ushered us to our lodgings, gave rides, dog-sat, and supported our every effort with kindness.

For those of us who are frequent visitors, this is why we love the Island and its people. The newcomers found we weren't exaggerating the hospitality, the warmth, and the friendliness of everyone we met.

I'll try not to offend by omission, but special thanks go to the Games sponsors: Steve West and the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce, the Beaver Island Boat Co., and the legendary Shamrock. Without you there would have been no Games, and we thank you for your continuing faith and support.

We treasure the camaraderie and the fellowship of Jeremy McBain and his merry band of heavy athletes; these guys (and their gals) keep us entertained on and off the competition field. Their awesome athletic achievements must be seen to be believed. To them is the glory and the Ben-Gay!

Deserving special mention were Jackie and Danielle and the rest of the staff of the Beaver Island Community Center. We were treated like rock stars, and our every need was accommodated with style. The BICC is in good hands.

Thanks to Joddy and Beth Crosswhite for recording our Saturday night concert in the Community Center; we can't wait to hear the final mix!

Jan McKnight was very gracious when I buried our van in her front yard, and she provided transportation and assistance to dig it out. I have seldom been so embarrassed, but Jan was very kind. Thanks, Jan!

John Works, as always, was cheerfully supporting his fellow Scots with monetary and moral support; Carolyn's rapier wit and Meg's charm made us feel right at home, even in the cold rain.

Our friends Liam and Marilyn Racine were wonderful hosts at Stoney Acre Grill / Donegal Danny's Pub; we can't thank them enough for their gourmet Lamb Stew, Macallan's 12-year-old single malt whisky, the after-hours apple crisp, and their unflagging support and love. Slan!

Special thanks also to our dear friend Cindy Gillespie-Cushman, who opened her home and her heart to us once again. Cindy dog-sat for Keira (a border collie), offered her van for transportation, and made herself available for any contingency. Cindy and I have been friends since I played the pipes for her father's funeral, and I am ever in her debt.

Our angel on the Island is Ann Partridge, who (through many phone calls and e-mails with an anxious pipe band manager) obtained lodging and transportation for us, produced our Saturday night concert at the Community Center, and who acted as our ambassador, concierge, point-man, ombudsman, and enforcer. Ann is fearless, diplomatic, street-wise, tireless, and a total sweetheart. We owe many thanks to Ann for her efforts on our behalf.

I always like bringing newcomers to the Island, because they don't believe my descriptions of the good times and the great people â?? until they see for themselves. THANK YOU, one and all, for a magical weekend â?? once again.

Slainté Mhath!

Jack Fellows

[Chamber of Commerce]

Thank you Jack for all the kind words and GREAT music!

We hope to grow the event a little each year. Perhaps someday we will be able to pay you talented folks as much as you are worth.

Thanks again & best wishes from Beaver Island.

Steve

[jmcbain2]

Videos of the event can be found at www.petoskeynews.com.

[E T]

Jack, Thanks be to you and the many visitors to the Island which helps make us what we are!! You are absolutely correct there is a special thing about the Island and the people who love it and its people. Keep coming and sharing your special gifts with kindred spirits be they residents or visitors God bless and take care!!