Photo essay by Connie McKenzie
I first met my favorite author in Winston-Salem last year. Never in a million years did I think I’d be able to meet her again! However, I was fortunate enough to attend two of the events held in Burlington, NC, on April 27 & 28, 2019, thanks to our dear friend, Kimberly Kandros, manager of Development & Special Projects at the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. She was instrumental in getting Diana back to NC.
Saturday evening, we met at the Paramount Theater in Burlington. First, there was a speech from “Herself” with Q&A, followed by a book signing. I was front row, center, for this fascinating event and was in awe with every word. I visited with friends I’ve made through the Outlander effect. I even met Diana’s husband, Doug. He is just as kind and friendly as Diana. However, I spent more time with him than her. LOL After the event, several of us walked across the street to grab a bite to eat and drink and visit with each other. Such a lovely evening.
Jeremiah DeGennaro, director of Alamance Battleground historic site, introduces Diana. 
It was great to meet Herself again! 
Doug Watkins, Diana’s husband, is as gracious as she! 
A Gathering of the ONC clan! 
What a great evening with Outlander friends!
On Sunday morning I was so excited about the brunch with Diana at the Alamance Battleground, that I arrived a little early. I visited with Kimberly, look around the gift shop, and got first dibs on seating. It wasn’t long before another attendee, Marybeth Krichilsky, arrived and we chatted and started taking pictures. The tables were beautifully set under a tent on the grounds. One of the first things we saw was a dragonfly which kept landing on Diana’s place setting. How ironic. I was going to let Diana know, but when I finally could talk with her, I totally forgot.
Diana mentioned how she’d had to take allergy medicine since being here. (North Carolina was in high pollination that weekend!) She included a little background of herself, her process, how she researches her material for her books. While writing, she sometimes will stop and pick something else up when she needs a break. She can be working on several projects at one time and does this frequently.
The main topic of the day was, of course, the Regulators and events that led to the Alamance Battle. This was a taxpayer rebellion. Governor Tryon raised taxes to pay for his palace. The people didn’t want this since they could barely could pay for food, supplies, etc. When the Governor sent out tax collectors, they started raising taxes on their own and keeping the extra money. The Governor didn’t like this and told them to stop, but he couldn’t enforce it. This ended up with the Hillsborough Riot and the Alamance Battle. The backcountry people didn’t stand a chance against the cannons. Diana then read from “The Fiery Cross.”
A few goodies I picked up at the gift shop. 
On the t-shirt back are signatures of some the men who supported the Regulator cause. 
John Allen House 
root cellar doors 
If these walls could talk… 
Imagine weaving a tartan on this loom! 
smokehouse 
The gardening hadn’t begun yet. 
This type of fencing was common in Colonial times.
We had the most delicious brunch which included fresh strawberries and fruit, quiches, muffins, dainty squares, salmon, and salad. It was interesting to know that some of the attendees drove or flew hours to get here! The furthest an attendee traveled was from California. One attendee which I had met at another Outlander event, Thru the Stones, in Iowa, was Lisa Margulies. It was so good to see her again.
After brunch, we walked to various parts of the Alamance Battlefield where Diana read to us from “The Fiery Cross” at each location. We even saw the wild strawberries all over the ground. I was totally fascinated with this whole experience. I also really loved this being such a small group and being able to spend longer in her presence. The book signing was last, and I didn’t want it to end. Diana is such an educated, talented, beautiful lady, inside & out. She never ages, never meets a stranger, always has a smile on her face, always accommodating, and so loving and generous! All the proceeds from the events go directly to the Battleground. (The land surrounding the historic Battlefield is at risk for development, and purchase of the land by the Save Alamance campaign will keep it in its natural state.)
There are so many wonderfully kind people in this Outlander Fandom. I’m amazed on how many new friends I have made due to this Outlandish journey.
Connie, thanks so much for sharing your photos and summary of your amazing weekend!