City: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (865) 436-4178

Description: When the Smoky Mountains were settled about 200 years ago, many of the newcomers who settled were Scottish. Today, quite a few descendants of those pioneers still reside in these mountains (Gatlinburg’s high school sports teams are even nicknamed the Highlanders). Since the early 1980s, Scots from all across the country (and even Scot wannabes) have gathered in Gatlinburg to celebrate that country’s heritage. During the third weekend of each May, members of more than 60 clans drink deep from the well of their culture. Things get kicked off on Friday with a parade through downtown Gatlinburg featuring kilted men and bagpipe bands. On Saturday and Sunday, the events move to Mills Park off US 321. The festivities include bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, and border collie demonstrations. The different clans set up tents where visitors can learn about each clan’s history and colors. Authentic Scottish cuisine is available for the tasting—including hot dishes such as meat pies and baked goods such as scones. The Scottish athletic events are always popular with the spectators. Women especially enjoy the men showing their legs in the bonniest knees competition, and the caber throw (where contestants toss a telephone-pole-like log) is a test of raw strength and skill. Then there’s the haggis hurl! Haggis, for those who don’t know, is a traditional Scottish dish prepared by taking the organs of a sheep or calf, mincing them with a few more palatable ingredients, and boiling them in the animal’s stomach. It’s not hard to imagine why people want to hurl them! Admission to the Scottish Festival & Games is $18 for Saturday and $13 for Sunday, or $25 for both days. One-day tickets for children ages 5 to 14 are $5.