Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games to Kickoff 36th Year of Festivities in East Tennessee
The 36th annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games will offer a wee glimpse of Scotland, and a dose of haggis and bagpipes, for the thirty-sixth year in a row at Maryville College May 20-21.
The Festival and Games will begin at the Clayton Center in Maryville on Friday night, May 19, with a gala celebrating the event and its patrons.
For $25 per weekend pass, guests and over 200 volunteers will take a trip back in time to experience Celtic music and dancing, genealogical research, sheep dog demonstrations, a dog parade, hard-to-find Celtic food and merchandise, and much more.
There are several ticket packages available at early bird discount prices, including the full weekend package. Early bird discounts end on May 18. Children under 16 years old are admitted free, and there is no charge for parking.
The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games are East Tennessee’s oldest and premier celebration of Scottish culture and heritage, originally founded in 1981. Maryville is home of the Scots, inhabited by early Scots-Irish settlers—people of extraordinary courage, determination and a pioneering spirit. The Games are a nod to the rich traditions and history of these settlers and take place on the picturesque grounds of Maryville College.
The event offers a take on classic challenges like open stone put, hammer throw, caber toss, sheaf toss and more. All competitions have a men’s and women’s division. Over 100 athletes are set to participate in these competitions.
Two concert stages featuring Celtic music will entertain guests for the duration of the event, and up to 10 pipe and drum bands will perform.
This year, over 30 clans will be present and over 30 food vendors, mostly with a Scots-Irish theme, as well as an expanded beer tent.
On Saturday, May 21, the Festival will host Scotch tastings at Profit Dining Hall on Saturday, May 20 at 1:30 and 5:30. All tastings require a separate ticket purchase.
A 5K and half marathon, which have become increasingly popular events, now boast over 500 runners and will take place Sunday, May 21.
Whether Scottish or not, Scottish Festival and Games Board Member Keith Austin guarantees guests will be entertained.
“We’re thrilled to have over seven thousand individuals attend the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games each year,” said Austin. “This highly-anticipated event is quite a sight to see. We’re excited to share new additions to the festival and celebrate a unique culture and the heritage of our area.”
While entertaining, Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell finds events like the Scottish Festival and Games create a significant economic impact for East Tennessee.
“The Scottish Festival and Games draws visitors to the Maryville area and raises valuable awareness for Blount County,” said Mitchell. “Having events that provide a wealth of entertainment are important to our community and to our tourism efforts.”
Revenue raised at the event funds two $250 dance scholarships each year. Additionally, 10 percent of the event’s revenue goes to Maryville College scholarships. The Festival and Games has funded more than $11,000 in Maryville College scholarships since its founding.
“Maryville College is pleased to host the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games on our campus,” said Maryville College President Tom Bogart. “The Festival and Games tap into an important part of our heritage with history, food, music, dance and entertainment. We’re appreciative of the scholarship program that has benefited many of our Maryville College students.”
For more information about the festivities and ticket sales, visit smokymountaingames.org or contact Keith Austin at kaustin@lamar.com. The SMSFG is an IRS 501(C)(3) charitable organization.
