Annual Scottish Gathering and Games, Kearney Park, Fresno

September 20, 2025

Each year, the Central San Joaquin Valley enjoys an exercise in Scottish cultural immersion; on the last few occasions, the organizers, The Fresno Scottish Society, have seen fit to incorporate a wee display put on by Valley British Auto Club (VBAC) members. Indeed, what blends better with haggis, kilts, whiskey, and Glengarry caps than a few of our beloved troublemakers (cars, that is)?

Thus, a small number of our local VBAC devotees converged at Chandler airport on the designated Saturday, at an hour so uncivilized your writer declines to state. Nevertheless, the following parties battled through the temptation to continue their slumber, and met with the other congregants, along with their respective motors:  Jon Frame (MG Midget), Richard Swack (TR3), Terry Starr (TR6), Russ Weber (TR4), Dr. Bill Wilson (MGB), Dr. Jay Newsome and son Nick (MGA), Bill Van Deelen (Jaguar XK8), Steve and Terri Phillips (MINI Cooper GP), as well as yours truly (MGB).  President Jon Brothers brought his domestic pickup, the better to haul the ancillaries, refreshments and spares which would be required for the day.

Time elapsed as it normally does in such circumstances, and so our compact entourage twisted ignition keys, and we paraded the few miles sedately to the West park entrance, where our hosts kindly guided us to the shaded parking area which would be the parc ferme for the day.

The precious pieces of rolling history soon ceased their internal combustion, and so became static, all chrome and paint and leather, emanating familiar Castrol oil and unburnt petrol odors, competing with the more traditional barbeque and fish n’ chip aromas which permeated the scene.

The EZ Up was unleashed, tables, chairs, well-stocked coolers, and VBAC paraphernalia were positioned, St. Andrews cross and Lion Rampant unfurled, and soon, time to explore the myriad offerings and displays of the camp.

Aside from the aforementioned Glengarries, visitors were tempted with an assortment of Scottish garb, such as kilts of many tartans, matching hose, and blouses, sgian dhus, hand carved walking sticks…just about anything one might find available on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile!

Activities also abounded, so there was Celtic music, a small Renaissance camp, Highland Games, and the not-to-be-missed fighting teams in full armor using axes, swords and chains as the Good Lord intended!

While some of the VBAC group perused the grounds, a representative or two stayed at the cars to respond to questions from the many who strolled by the motoring display; some were much younger than the cars, and were intrigued by some of the idiosyncrasies: No door handles!  Wait, where are the windows?  How do you activate the rear-view camera?!

The day wound towards its inevitable red line, and the VBAC faithful readied for departure; yours truly trailed Dr. Jay home in his MGA, this being the furthest Jenny the MG had traveled since joining the Connolly stable. However, all worries proved unfounded, and another successful VBAC outing concluded.

Martin Connolly