The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games presented its largest-ever check to Maryville College Thursday, a $7,000 donation of proceeds from May’s successful event. The funds will be used for scholarships and campus improvements.
The Games, which were founded in 1981 and have taken place at Maryville College since 2011, serve as a celebration of Blount County’s Scottish roots. Event highlights include authentic Scottish food, music, athletic competitions and family-friendly activities.
Since the Games moved to Maryville College, the event has provided tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships and facilities updates, but this year’s donation marks its largest contribution. $2,800 will go toward scholarships and the remainder will fund campus improvements. In subsequent years, a larger portion of proceeds will be used for scholarships as the event completes its commitment to grounds updates.
According to a spokeswoman at the College, the largest investments in the campus grounds made possible by the Games include a new transformer and distribution panel on the lower field. Installed in 2011 and 2012, they now power the soccer field press box and lights throughout the fall season. A concrete pad that Games organizers poured earlier this year for Highland dance competitions is sand and mulch storage for the College for the remainder of the year. Other Games investments include improvements to the grass surface where much of the festival and athletic competitions are held.
“The cooperation agreement between the Games and Maryville College presents a win-win opportunity,” said Scottish Festival Board President Dan Greaser. “One of the goals of bringing the Games to Maryville College was wider exposure of the college campus to potential students and the region. We know of students who have enrolled at Maryville College as a result of the Festival. We think the ‘win-win’ is working.”
Dr. Tom Bogart, president of Maryville College, agreed.
“Maryville College looks to partner with businesses and organizations when opportunities exist for mutual benefit. Because of the College’s partnership with the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival, organizers have a beautiful and appropriate location to hold their annual event, and thousands of people are introduced to Maryville College and its campus for the first time,” Bogart said. “I’m pleased and appreciative that the partnership also results in much-needed financial support of the College. Scholarships and campus improvements benefit students and the student experience directly.”
The Games are part of the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority’s efforts to enhance tourism in Blount County by hosting and promoting special events that bring visitors to the area. SMTDA is a wing of the Blount Partnership, an alliance that also includes the Economic Development Board of Blount County, Blount Chamber Foundation and Blount Chamber of Commerce. Information about SMTDA can be found at www.smokymountains.org.
For more information about the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, interested parties can visit www.smokymountaingames.org. Next year’s event will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, 2017 at Maryville College.