1. We stand by our standards! Yes, there have been revisions, new operating procedures, and sometimes, a few “smacks on the head” when needed…but all in all, the guild is stronger now…not as populated…that’s definitely true…but those that show up, and put their energy into our encampment are really making a concentrated effort to put “IT” all out there.

2. MacIain is getting more involved with Faire Boards/CIRGA/Other Organizations. Greg has done a FABULOUS job with the Cast Iron Chef Gig. What started a few years ago at Valhalla as something “fun” has grow into a gig that Faires are requesting and paying for…and it’s a MacIain Gig! Ken and Joan have been working hard at creating, refining and growing the Knights of the Order of Saints John of Jerusalem…and even though this is a Faire Wide Order (and Officially not related to our guild at all), our Guild Master and Guild Mistress are “in charge” and they are definitely “Taking Names!”

3. Other Guilds come to us for guidance. Many of the Officers have been taken aside, and questioned about how we run our guild. We have been told that “we do IT right!” We were constantly complimented at the Renaissance Symposium in February…and our name is generally held in high esteem. We have many septs that have moved on to become stronger…look at Galbraith and Frasier, yes, they are different. yes, they focus on other areas than us…but they started by watching and growing with MacIain…and they have moved beyond the borders of our guild.

4. Our Volunteers are working their butts off! Take a moment to think about the people you see at the events…who pulls the trailer all the time? Who brings a “fully stocked kitchen set” with them…that they paid for and created? Who is it that is consistently on time…and setting up the pavilion before others wander in? Who makes the weapons area look “Really Good”? There is a core out there that everyone is aware of. Notice these people, and thank them sometime. For the fifty six members listed on our website this year, notice that only twenty or so sign up for the big events…and most events are pulled off with only ten to twelve…that core is what keeps this guild going. And if you are not in that core? Does that mean you aren’t working your butt off? Only you can answer that question…think on it, and think how you can add to the entirety of the guild, and what we bring to the paying public.
- - You may be contributing more than you realize. - -

5. We’ve been in transition… As Ken and Joan have raised this Faire Family on the Faire Circuit, we’ve gone through many growing pains. People have grown, families have grown. There have been many laughs and a lot of tears. People have been pissed off, people have left, and people have come back. It’s been tough on everyone. Now that the guild has solidified its direction, and has created a business model that can help the Guild continue to thrive beyond just Ken and Joan; we’re able to move forward. Are you all ready to take the next step? If not, what do you need to do? How can you improve..just you...to improve the whole of the Guild? How can your Officers help? What can the Officers improve? If you don't tell us, we can't fix it.

As a member of this guild for the past ten years, I’ve had my ups and downs just like everyone. I’ve laughed so hard it hurt, I’ve been extremely drunk with friends, I’ve been responsible, and I’ve made MANY stupid mistakes. What I can tell you is that I’ve grown. I may not be as physically able as I was ten years ago, but I bring wisdom to the table, and I see so much that all of you have to offer. The Non-Profit Board of Directors and the Officers of MacIain would like me to officially thank every guild member (past and present) for all the hard work you have done, for your patience with us, and for your willingness to see this through. Thank you for a grand year, and thank you for sticking it out with us. This is the best guild in the world, and that is why I’ll always remain a loyal member!

With all my love,
Deanna