The Scots-Irish Festival is presented annually in historic downtown Dandridge, Tennessee on the last weekend of September. The event starts out with concerts from each of three different pipes and drums bands from the region. The Knoxville Pipes and Drums is the host band for the Festival and helps with organizing the piping activities.
At noon there is a formal Opening Ceremony led by the Pipe Bands. Starting with a parade down Main Street, the bands then play traditional music during the ceremony. Early in the afternoon, there is a Pipe Band Playoff Competition in which each of the bands completes for prizes and recognition. Later in the afternoon, the massed Pipe Bands march on the dike, high above Main Street, inspiring awe and wonder in all the spectators.
The Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival organizers strive to arrange a wide variety of musical and dance entertainment each year. Emphasis is placed on Celtic roots and Appalachian music evolved from that of the Scots-Irish settlers. Among recent performers include SYR, a Celtic Rock band; Four Leaf Peat, performing traditional Irish music; Wild Blue Yonder, an Appalachian music group; and Trip Rogers with a wide variety of Irish tunes.
Many Clans do participate in the Festival with booths on Main Street to display their tartans and insignia. Clans are welcome to help us celebrate our heritage by attending the event, sponsoring a booth and greeting the public. In fact, many of our guests have commented on how exciting it is for them to learn more about their Scots-Irish roots from the Clan representatives.
Storytelling is a long standing tradition of Scottish and Irish peoples and the Fall Season in Dandridge makes for perfect timing for Festival goers to enjoy a spooky twist. From the old world castles of Ireland and Scotland, to the Southern Appalachian Highlands, natives of that region of the world carried these traditions to America. Appalachian GhostWalks continue these traditions with professional storytellers who weave chilling stories derived from the research and investigations of many of Dandridge's historic buildings which bring each structure's history to life. And, our tours are great for children and adults alike so it's fun for all ages!!
Although the "Haunted Historic Dandridge GhostWalk", a ghost and history tour of Tennessee's 2nd oldest town, are year-round daily and/or nightly, we will be offering a special tour on the night of the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival for those who would like to experience the town's history and mystery. The tour will begin around 9 PM ending around midnight to conincide with the time that festival activities start to die down a bit. Tours tend to sell out in advance, so be sure to reserve your tickets early. Call (423) 743-WALK (9255) for reservations by telephone, or RESERVE NOW ONLINE for a SPOOK-tacular good time!!!
Visit the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival website for further festival and event details and information.
