The Caledonian Club of San Francisco

THE CALEDONIAN CLUB
OF
SAN FRANCISCO
REUNION AND SPECIAL EVENT
PLANNING PACKAGE
* INDEX *
PAGE
Background
3
History of Scottish Gatherings & Games
4
The Caledonian Club of San Francisco
5
The Pleasanton Scottish Gathering & Games
6
Suggested Schedule of Reunion Events
10
Caledonian Club Sponsored Hotel Accommodations
12
Camping and RV Reservations/Golf Course
13
Amenities in Pleasanton and the Surrounding Area
14
Transportation to and from Pleasanton
16
2
* BACKGROUND *
The idea for assimilating reunions / special events came from a Caledonian Club of San Francisco member who was looking to host a veterans organization reunion in a new, unexplored
venue. Too often, previous reunions had been held near military bases and the scenario never
changed. As time passed, reunions seemed to rotate between East and West coast bases which
became boring. In 2010, member Brooks Wilson hosted a reunion for the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines Association in conjunction with the Caledonian Club of San Francisco’s Scottish Gathering
and Games in Pleasanton, CA. Though the reunion was held separately, many of the events
were planned around the facilities and activities of the Games.
In planning this reunion, coordination was made directly with the various club officers and chairmen for entry and seating tickets, programs, special recognition during the grandstand shows and
the inclusion of both the association president and guest of honor on the reviewing stage in front
of the grandstands. Additionally, since the Caledonian Club of San Francisco invites a Marine
Band to perform at the games each year, it was easily possible to have the band support the Saturday night banquet with a brass quintet at no additional charge. Lastly, having the active 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines color guard participate in the grandstand shows was a special feature which the
veterans and crowds greatly enjoyed.
It became apparent that this idea of having a special event in conjunction with a Scottish Games
is a win-win for all concerned and adds an extra measure of interesting things to do along with the
traditional aspects of the reunion. The crowds that attend these games are, for the most part, very
patriotic and appreciative of the military. This provides a warm, family feel the whole time and offers entertaining and rewarding experiences for everyone.
Lt. Col. William Vivian, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, being honored at the
Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Pleasanton Scottish Highland Games
For more information on the events or amenities described in this package, contact Major Brooks
Wilson, USMC (ret.) at (575) 209 0932 or email to [email protected].
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* THE HISTORY OF SCOTTISH GATHERINGS AND GAMES *
Long before colonists began to settle the New World, Scotland had a lengthy history and culture. In
Scotland, Heavy Athletics Events were already being held at least 1,000 years ago! Historians believe that some of the Heavy Events originated during Druid times. Heavy Events began as tests of
strength and conditioning for Scottish troops. A tree trunk would be made into a caber and tossed
by the strongest military men. Smooth rocks from river beds would be heaved for distance. Lead
weights would be tossed underhand over a bar more than twice as high as the athlete. The competitor who accumulated the most points from the contests would be the Heavy Events Champion.
The first historical references to the Heavy Events were during the reign of King Malcolm III (10571093). The Ceres Games of Fife, Scotland, are considered the oldest, continuous Highland
Games, beginning in 1314. The English Government, during the Act of Proscription years (174682), however, outlawed all Highland Games, including the Ceres Games. The Act banned all Scottish culture, including the wearing of kilts and the playing of bagpipes! The Ceres Games also were
not held during World War I and World War II. Even with these interruptions, the Ceres Games
have been held annually for nearly 650 years!
Over the centuries, the Heavy Events evolved from military exercises into festivals for the Scottish
public. With the addition of dancing, music, food and drink, the Highland Games were born. Surprisingly, most Highland dancers in the early years of the Highland Games were men. Over the
years, however, more and more women competed in Highland dancing. Today, it is unusual to find
more than a couple of men in a Highland dancing competition.
Just as women began competing in Highland dancing, they also began competing as drum majors,
in individual piping and drumming championships, and, most dramatically, in the Heavy Events.
Sausalito's own Shannon Hartnett broke the gender line by convincing Heavy Events organizers to
allow women to compete, although only against other women. Hartnett has won every competition
she has entered and has been the U.S. Women's Heavy Events Champion since women began
competing in the Caledonian Club's games.
Now, Highland Games are held annually wherever there are enough Scots to produce an event; it is
a traditional method of passing Scottish culture from generation to generation. During the past few
generations, Highland Games have evolved into ticketed festivals. Games are held throughout the
U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere.
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THE CALEDONIAN CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO
The Caledonian Club of San Francisco's Scottish Gathering and Games are the largest in the U.S.
and, in some years, the largest in the world. It is not unusual to have more than 25 pipe bands at
the event, plus hundreds of athletes, dancers and other participants.
The Caledonian Club of San Francisco was founded in 1866, a year after the end of the Civil War,
and it's inaugural Scottish Gathering and Games, a family picnic with athletic contests, was held in a
field at 12th and Market Streets in San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day 1866.
An old print, from the London Illustrated News, of the Caledonian Club Games held in Sausalito in
1868
The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 could not stop the Scottish Games from going on, nor could
two world wars or a Depression. In fact, the Caledonian Club's Games have been held for more
than 60% of the years since the United States was founded! The 2012 Games will be the 147th
continuous year of operation, which is the longest outside of Scotland.
The Games were held in Petaluma, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, after World War II, before
moving to Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County. In 1994, the Games moved again, to the Alameda
County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, where they have been ever since. Current attendance at the
Games is estimated at over 30,000 people during the two days of the event.
The Scots of the Caledonian Club and other organizations around the world have discovered the
perfect way to preserve their culture and educate their young people, without being boring. In case
you think there is nothing new in the Highland Games, visit a Celtic rock concert at the Games and
see what Scotland's young musicians have invented - rock and roll with bagpipes and electric guitars! The Pleasanton Games are not just a cultural event for Scottish people, they are an event for
the whole family, regardless of one’s roots. Nearly everyone in the U.S. has a drop of Scottish or
Irish blood in them, and it can be fully recognized at this event.
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* THE PLEASANTON SCOTTISH GATHERING & GAMES *
Some facts:
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This event is produced entirely by volunteers from the Caledonian Club of San Francisco.
The Caledonian Club does not take government funding or apply for foundation support. It is
very rare indeed when a nonprofit organization produces such a huge event without relying
on funding.
These Games are always held on Labor Day weekend each year.
The annual format of this and other Highland Games creates consistency. People plan their
vacation calendars to permit visits to their favorite games.
The format has proven to be an excellent way of educating children about their heritage. The
very young have fun; it's like going to the fair. As they grow older, many want to learn how
to play the bagpipes, toss the caber or compete in Highland Dancing.
Among the major events at these Games will be more than 20 pipe bands from the U.S. and
Canada, including world-class grade I bands. A U.S. Marine Corps Band also appears annually.
The Pleasanton Games is one of only two venues in the world where a U.S. military band and a
grade I pipe band march and perform together as a single unit.
The Marine Third Aircraft Wing Band playing with the Royal Scots Guards at the Games in 2009.
The Games themselves include pipe band competitions and performances, Highland dancing
competitions, Scottish country dancing and fiddle playing, athletics [heavy events], five-a-side
soccer, rugby, shinty, birds of prey, historical re-enactments, sheep dog trials, musical entertainment, Scottish clans and associations, a children’s glen, Clydesdale horses and Highland cattle,
whisky tasting, Scottish food and drink, vendors of Scottish memorabilia, and Games attendees
dressed in kilts and other traditional Scottish attire. There is also an Irish Pavilion, with vendors
and Irish dancers.
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Highland Dancers at the Opening Ceremonies of the Pleasanton Scottish Games
Fans of athletic skills will appreciate the heavy events, which often include the world's top professional
athletes competing in team championships with six two-man teams, representing the U.S., Canada,
Scotland, England, and other countries, and sanctioned by the International Highland Games Federation. Additionally, the men's and women's amateur athletes represent more than 20 U.S. states. Heavy
event competitors in all classes are required to compete in all eight athletic disciplines: the caber toss,
56 lb. weight for height, putting the stone regular style (a 17 lb. stone, with a run-up), putting the stone
Braemar style (26 lb. stone, standing style with no run-up), light Scottish hammer (16 lb.), heavy Scottish hammer (22 lb.), 28 lb. weight for distance and 56 lb. weight for distance. Points for each event are
added, similar to the Olympic decathlon, to determine the World Heavy Events Champion.
Tossing the caber is perhaps the most popular Heavy Athletics event
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Entertainment abounds with seven stages of continuous activity throughout the fairgrounds featuring everything from traditional balladeers and vocal groups to Celtic rock, plus the Fiddler's Rally, harping and Scottish country dancing venues. Among the favorites in Celtic rock are internationally recognized Tempest,
Australia's Brother and Scotland's tribal Albannach. Folk groups such as Molly's Revenge, the Browne
Sisters, Golden Bough, Ed Miller, Peter Daldry and Neil O'Neill, plus Scotland TV personality singer Isla St
Clair, also entertain throughout the weekend.
Albannach, Celtic Rock from Scotland
Adding to the bountiful venues will be living history re-enactments, including a re-creation of the court of
Mary Queen of Scots, the Highland warriors, the Roman 10th legion, and the invading Vikings plus various
other guilds. The Birds of Prey exhibit includes more than 30 exotic birds and their accredited handlers.
The sheep dog trials portray the intricacies of Border Collies herding sheep via the whistle commands from
the dogs’ masters.
Historical re-enactors from many different periods appear at the Games
For the "wee ones" is the Children's Glen, with games and prizes. Nearly 100 clans are represented in the
Gathering of the Clans area, where one can find information on Scottish roots.
The Pleasanton Games have always been the site of the five-a-side soccer tournament with eight semi-pro
teams competing. The Games also include tournaments in rugby and the ancient Scottish game of shinty.
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The Gathering of the Clans at the Pleasanton Games
Additionally, a "Taste of Whisky” will be held at the Games, providing the opportunity to sample premium single malt Scottish whiskies, or to sign up for the Master Class where the fine points of the
libations are provided by an expert.
British automobiles are displayed and a team of Clydesdale horses and wagon tour the grounds.
For the adventurous shopper, the Games provide more than 100 vendors located in five buildings.
British foods, including bangers, meat pies, Scotch eggs and more are supplemented by traditional
American fair food and drink.
The Clydesdale Team and Carriage
Preceding the weekend's Games on Friday will be the Friday Night Concert at the host hotel, the
Marriott San Ramon, hosted by Isla St Clair, and featuring pipe bands and a military band. Saturday night at the Red Lion Pub on the Alameda County Fairgrounds, a Scottish Party, or "Ceilidh," is
held along with live entertainment.
All of these activities and related schedules may be seen on the Caledonian Club of San Francisco
web site: www.thescottishgames.com.
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* SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF REUNION EVENTS *
[Based upon an actual reunion / special event held in conjunction with the Games]
Wednesday before Labor Day Weekend
1200 - 1600 :
1200 - 1800 :
Registration
Hospitality room open
Thursday
0900 - 1600 :
0900 - 1430 :
1430 - 1520 :
1530 - 1650 :
1700 - 1750 :
1800 - 1900 :
1900 - 2100 :
2100 - 0100 :
Registration
Hospitality room open
Board of Directors meeting at Palm Pavilion, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
Business meeting / election of officers at Palm Pavilion, Alameda County Fairgrounds. (Spouses and associate members are welcome to attend).
Memorial service at Palm Pavilion, Alameda County Fairgrounds
Evening social (no host bar and light hors d’oeuvres) at Alameda County Fairgrounds
Dinner at Palm Pavilion, Alameda County Fairgrounds
Scottish Pub Night at the Main Street Brewery in downtown Pleasanton (optional)
Friday
0800 - 2400 :
Open for sightseeing in the Bay Area. NOTE: A visit to the Marines Memorial Club,
609 Sutter Street, San Francisco, for lunch or dinner is highly recommended. Visit
their web site for details: www.marineclub.com.
1000 - 1200 :
1300 - 1700 :
Hospitality room open
Hospitality room open
Saturday
0900 - 1830 :
1930 - 2000 :
2000 - 2300 :
Scottish Games at Alameda County Fairgrounds
No host cocktails at annual banquet
Annual banquet
Sunday
0900 - 1830 :
2000 - 2400 :
Scottish Games at Alameda County Fairgrounds
Band party at Marriott San Ramon (optional for those loving pipe band music) - The
Marine Band and grade 1 pipe band, along with other pipe bands will perform for
your enjoyment!
Monday
Depart for home or other points of interest.
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* NOTES *
All organizational events can be tailored as desired. Locations for certain events recommended only.
Special package deals may be obtained through the Caledonian Club of San Francisco in
advance.
Organization leaders may be included in official Caledonian Club venues such as being
recognized with other games guests on the grandstand main stage.
The organization may be officially recognized during the main Grandstand shows during the
Games.
Small Marine Band ensembles may be used for special aspects of the event such as a
drum and bugle section for an annual banquet.
Marine Color Guard lowering the flag at the Closing Ceremonies of the Games
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* CALEDONIAN CLUB SPONSORED HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS *
Marriott San Ramon
(925) 867-9200
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oaksr-san-ramon-marriott/
2600 Bishop Drive
San Ramon, CA 94583
Courtyard Marriott
(925) 436-1414
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakpl-courtyard-pleasanton
5059 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 847-6000
Marriott Pleasanton
www.marriottpleasanton.com
11950 Dublin Canyon Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Marriott Residence Inn
(925) 227-0550
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakri-residence-inn-pleasanton
11920 Dublin Canyon Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(800) 331-3131
Sheraton Four Points
(925) 460-8800
www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=712
5115 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 463-3330
(866) 716-8123
Holiday Inn
(925) 828-7750
www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/dublin/dubrm/hoteldetail
6680 Regional Street
Dublin, CA 94568
(877) 859-5095
Sheraton Pleasanton
www.sheratonpleasanton.com
5990 Stoneridge Mall Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
All the hotels listed above are officially contracted by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco. They may be
accessed on the Caledonian Club web site: www.caledonian.org/games/lodgingtransportation.html.
Organizations might find that the Sheraton Four Points is a nice fit for reunions and special event in that it
has rooms with small patios overlooking central courtyards, with running brooks and a park like setting.
The advantage of using these hotels is reduced rates. The Marriott San Ramon is the headquarters for the
Caledonian Club of San Francisco.
Organizations should make reservations through the Caledonian Club for the special rates. This
can be coordinated early on with the Club Billeting Chairman. Please plan on having a cut off date prior to
the event since rooms for the Games are always at a premium. Be aware that all hotels have their own
check in and check out policies and internal charge systems.
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CAMPING & RV RESERVATIONS
There are camping and RV facilities located on the Alameda County Fairgrounds property. Prices
range from $20/night for a dry space to $30/night for a space with hookups.
Policies and a reservation form are available on the Caledonian Club web site:
www.caledonian.org/games/lodgingtransportation.html
Please be sure to read the policies thoroughly before making a reservation, and also book early, as
both campsites and RV spaces fill up quickly before the Games.
GOLF COURSE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS
The 9 hole, par 3 golf course at the Fairgrounds is open during the Games
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* AMENITIES IN PLEASANTON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA *
The City of Pleasanton, where the Alameda County Fairgrounds are located, is part of the
Greater Bay Area, being located in what is known as the Tri-Valley area east of the San Francisco Bay. The Tri-Valley area also contains the cities of Dublin, San Ramon, and Livermore.
Pleasanton itself is a middle class, mostly white collar suburb with a population of 69,000 and
has numerous amenities including restaurants, shopping, parks and a close proximity to not only
San Francisco (45 minutes by BART - Bay Area Rapid Transit), but also to the three local airports (San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose). Oakland Airport is the closest, being less than 30
minutes away by road.
The weather in the Pleasanton area around Labor Day can vary, but is usually in the 80's and
90's during the day and cooler, in the low 50's, at night. The heat is dry with little humidity. Casual clothing is suggested for day and Games wear unless dressing up for a special occasion
such as an annual banquet. Of course, kilts are always acceptable! If you don’t have one, they
can be readily purchased or ordered while attending the games.
If you travel to the City of San Francisco, it is suggested you take warm clothing as a precaution.
Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is typically at least ten degrees cooler
than Pleasanton, and even a warm day can turn 20 degrees cooler within minutes. It is better to
be prepared than sorry later.
RESTAURANTS IN PLEASANTON
NOTE:
Most of the hotels listed previously have restaurants on their premises. Most of
these also have banquet capabilities. The list of restaurants below are a sample
of the better restaurants in addition to those in the hotels.
Barone’s
www.baronespleasanton.com
475 St. John Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Blue Agave Club
www.blueagaveclub.com
625 Main Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Continental
(925) 426-0987
Mexican
(925) 417-1224
Italian
Fontina Restaurante
www.fontinas.com
349 Main Street, Suite 150
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Hap’s Original
www.hapsoriginal.com
122 W. Neal Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Hopyard Pub
www.hopyard.com
3015 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton, CA 945
(925) 462-9299
Steakhouse
(925) 600-9200
Alehouse & Grill
(925) 426-9800
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RESTAURANTS IN PLEASANTON (CONTINUED)
Main Street Brewery
www.mainstbrewery.com
830 Main Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Burgers & Sandwiches
(925) 462-8218
Oasis
www.oasisgrille.com
780 Main Street #101
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Grill & Wine Lounge
Redcoats
www.redcoatspub.com
336 St. Mary Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566
British Pub & Restaurant
Sozo Sushi
www.sozosushi.com
2835 Hopyard Rd
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 484-5588
Japanese
Strizzi’s Restaurant
www.strizzis.com
649 Main Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Italian/American
NOTE:
(925) 417-8438
(925) 462-6600
(925) 484-5588
(925) 484-9600
This is only a partial list. Additional information about restaurants and activities
in Pleasanton may be found at www.pleasantondowntown.net.
Main Street, Pleasanton
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* TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM PLEASANTON *
For those attendees flying into the Bay Area, there are three airports available: San Francisco
International, Oakland International and San Jose International. Oakland is the closest, being 30
minutes drive from Pleasanton, the other two are about an hour away, depending on the traffic
and the time of day. Transportation is readily available, but perhaps the easiest way to travel
between the hotel and airport is by renting a car, using the SuperShuttle (see below) or by taking BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit light rail), from SFO and OAK airports only.
San Francisco International (SFO) – SFO is the largest airport in the Bay Area, with the biggest number of national flights in and out. It is also the furthest away from Pleasanton,
being located 20 miles south of San Francisco on the SF Peninsula. There is a BART
service from SFO to Pleasanton which takes an hour and 15 minutes (one transfer required) and which currently costs $10.55 per person one way. Please note that BART is
primarily a commuter line, and does not have much luggage space. Other options from
SFO are the SuperShuttle or car rental. Pleasanton is roughly an hour from SFO by
road, across the San Mateo bridge. More info on the airport at www.flysfo.com.
Oakland International (OAK) - OAK is the closest airport to Pleasanton, being a 30 minute
drive by road. It has fewer flights in and out each day, but has connections to the MidWest and East Coast. There is a bus connection to the Coliseum BART station from the
airport, the BART ride to Pleasanton taking about 30 minutes and currently costing
$3.60 one way. Car rentals and SuperShuttle are also available. More info on the airport
www.flyoakland.com.
San Jose International (SJC) - SJC is at the south end of the San Francisco Bay, and has no
BART connection yet. It is about 45 minutes from Pleasanton by road, depending on the
traffic. Car rentals and SuperShuttle are available. More info on the airport at
www.flysanjose.com.
SuperShuttle - www.supershuttle.com or call (800) BLUEVAN (258-3826). There is SuperShuttle service from/to all three airports, see the website for details.
Rental Cars - Rental car agencies abound in all the airports, as well as in Pleasanton itself. It
is recommended that you rent a car if you go sightseeing around the Bay Area, but use
the BART to go to San Francisco, as parking is very difficult and expensive.
Coach Charter - There are a number of charter services in the Bay Area, but we have found
that the local company below is a bit cheaper.
Executive Class / Creatours
[email protected]
Attn: Karim Nino
130 Ryan Industrial Court # 110
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 497-2376
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* TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) *
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) - The BART system connects the San Francisco and Oakland
airports to the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. Many of the hotels, including the Four
Points Sheraton, offer free shuttle to BART (10 minute ride) or you can take a taxi. BART
does not connect with the San Jose International airport. www.bart.gov for more info.
If you desire to travel via BART to Pleasanton or any Bay Area location, plan ahead on the
internet by going to www.bart.gov/schedules/bystation.aspx . Use the Dublin/Pleasanton
station as your destination or starting point. The Dublin /Pleasanton station is about a mile
north west of Downtown. Complete schedule information is available online or at the station. BART is fully wheelchair accessible, including elevators at all stations.
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