The Wicker Clan was
founded at the St. Patrick's Balloon rally in Las Lunas in 2001 by
Kevin Cloney and his crew. The tailgate was smaller then and as the
day and ideas flowed the Wicker Clan was born. By October of 2001
the clan had secured rights to use the New Mexico tartan as their
official kilt of choice. The first showing of the Clan in "full
dress" was at the 2001 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
There the Wicker Clan made national and international news.
Television stations and magazines from around the world wanted to
know about the Wicker Clan. By the end of the clan's first year,
they had been featured in New Mexico's state magazine, The Scottish
parliament had sent acknowledgment of their feat, New Mexico
television Channel 13 and Channel 4 had shown spots of the clan.
Today there are over 17 hot aire balloons associated with the Wicker
Clan and they are still growing
The Wicker Clan is a
unique group of hot air balloonists that are proudly aware of the
great Celtic mix of the American people. With their balloons and
Celtic attire they draw crowds close to their motto of "Friends, Fun
& Flying." Clan founders often wear the New Mexico state's official
tartan, and are joined by other "kilted ones" at rallies and social
events around the world. Their pilots and crew can be found wearing
clan tartans from as far away as Scotland, Ireland, Wales and other
Celtic homelands.
The Wicker Clan
enjoys sharing the excitement and adventure of hot air ballooning
with schools, civic clubs, rally sponsors and anyone that wants to
understand this two hundred and twenty plus year old sport! |