Highland Games Archives : clanmacneilusa.us

Tartans, Bagpipes, and Holiday Cheer: Join the Alexandria Scottish Walk!

Join the Festivities at the Alexandria Scottish Walk!

Get ready to step into the holiday spirit this December as Old Town Alexandria comes alive with the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade! For over 50 years, this beloved tradition has transformed the historic streets into a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture, history, and holiday cheer.

Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Scotland. Bagpipes, drums, tartan-clad marchers, and lively floats will wind their way through Old Town’s cobblestone streets, accompanied by Scottish terriers and clan banners. The Alexandria Scottish Walk is a visual and auditory feast that brings Scottish heritage to life, with a special nod to the city's own history—Alexandria was named after Scotsman John Alexander, and the parade honors that legacy with grandeur and charm.

A Weekend Full of Festivities

The Scottish Walk Parade is just one part of the broader Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, which promises activities and fun for all. Leading up to the parade, visitors can enjoy a host of holiday-themed events, including:

Heather and Greens Sale: Find your perfect holiday wreath or greenery.
Holiday Home Tours: Explore historic, beautifully decorated homes in Old Town.
Taste of Scotland: Sample fine Scottish whisky and gourmet dishes.
Holiday Marketplace: Shop for unique gifts and handmade crafts from local vendors.

Special Invitation to the MacNeil Gathering

If you’re planning to join the festivities in Alexandria this year, Vivian Ramirez and her family invite you to a special MacNeil gathering the night before the parade! This intimate event will feature delicious Scottish flavors and is the perfect way to kick off the weekend’s celebrations. To RSVP and receive further details, please email Vivian at vchangdc@yahoo.com.

Parade Details & Community Impact

The Scottish Walk Parade will be held on the first Saturday of December (12/07/2024), starting at 11 a.m. The route begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets and weaves through the heart of Old Town, making it easily accessible for all. Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the full spectacle!

Best of all, your participation supports a great cause—proceeds from the weekend benefit the Campagna Center, which provides crucial support for children and families throughout Alexandria. By attending, you’ll be contributing to the well-being of the community, all while enjoying a timeless holiday tradition.

Buaidh no bas!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of Alexandria's most festive and culturally rich holiday event. Dust off your tartans, get ready to hear the pipes, and join us for a weekend of fun and celebration that you won’t soon forget!

"Buaidh no bas!" (Victory or death) is the rallying cry of the MacNeil clan—so, in the spirit of strength and unity, we look forward to seeing you at the parade!

More details are on the Alexandria Scottish Walk website: https://www.campagnacenter.org/alexandria-scottish-christmas-walk-parade/

Tartans, Bagpipes, and Holiday Cheer: Join the Alexandria Scottish Walk! Read More »

Kick off the 2023 Highland Games in NC at Loch Norman with Needham and Phyllis Bass!

1 Comment / SocialMediaDirector

Join Us in Loch Norman

Phyllis and Needham Bass will be hosting the Clan Macneil Association of America tent at the upcoming Loch Norman Highland games, this April 15^th and 16^th. The games take place at beautiful Rural Hill historic site and nature preserve. The Loch Norman Games features Men and Women’s Scottish Games, piping and drumming competitions, dancing competitions, live music, a kids zone and an historic encampment. In addition, there are vendors featuring Celtic jewelry, tartan items, kid’s toys and Scottish goods that are hard to find in the States. The games also have several food vendors, so if haggis is your taste, this is the place! Come out and spend the weekend and make sure to stop by the Macneil tent.

We feature the MacQuiz game for kids of all ages and adults too. Win a flag of Scotland and learn a bit about the “Auld Country.” Phyllis and Needham will be on hand to help you find your Macneil or Scottish connection.

Your Hosts

At bit about your hosts, Phyllis is the 4^th great granddaughter of Neil “Dubh” McNeil known as the Colonizer who brought 350 Scots to North Carolina in 1739, and founded the Cross Creek township north of present day Fayetteville, NC. She is also a descendant of Macalister and Campbells who were in this group of settlers. She has done quite a bit of research on these Scots and their descendants and is more than willing to help point people in the right direction in their research. Needham’s only claim to the McNeill clan is that he was smart enough to marry one. His linage is through McCutchen, Knox, Maule and the mysterious McLamb clans. He has however done quite a bit of research to Scottish culture and history and loves to share with young and old.

Kick off the 2023 Highland Games in NC at Loch Norman. We look forward to seeing you there!

Kick off the 2023 Highland Games in NC at Loch Norman with Needham and Phyllis Bass! Read More »