So, I had the pleasure of exhibiting on behalf of the Historic Dublin Business Association last night, at Dublin, OH‘s state of the city address. It was a pretty spontaneous thought, on how we could effectively communicate what our business community, district and individual members were about….wear a kilt, with my Chuck Taylors!

There were a couple reasons for the kilt and shoes:

• Number 1: We were promoting the best legs in a kilt contest, happening in the district, this Friday at 6:45 pm, the evening before the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
• Number 2: To actively showcase collaboration. I got my buddy Wolf, from the SBB to join in the festivities by wearing a kilt as well. We were working together, as separate entities, to support the same cause, community awareness. Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland donated the kilts for the event and I felt it was appropriate to not only celebrate in traditional garments, but also bring my own personal style into the mix.

I had no intentions of mocking or making fun of anyone, or their traditions. It was quite the opposite, I wanted to put on display our ability as a community to work collaboratively while also upholding the individual values that make us all unique.

Celebrate authenticity and community. Creativity and tradition. These concepts can coexist, but we first have to get outside of our own egotistical mindsets and acknowledge genuine contributions and efforts.

Here’s a quick video of the room we were exhibiting at:

*Picture from Allison Potter of the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau