The 36th annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, held May 19, 20 and 21, provided more than just a wee glimpse of Scotland. On September 21, organizers presented Maryville College with a check in the amount of $3,600 to support facilities improvements and scholarships.
The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games are East Tennessee’s oldest premier celebration of Scottish culture and heritage, originally founded in 1981. This region was settled by the Scots-Irish—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.
With a record-breaking Saturday event this year, and despite the threat of rain, the total weekend attendance of over 7,000 attendees resulted in another successful event.
Over 50 clans and societies attended the event with 40 vendors, 100 athletes, 12 pipe and drum bands, 70 clan dancers and eight entertainment bands supported by over 250 volunteers.
On Sunday, May 21, the second annual Highland Half Marathon and 5K race had over 200 registered participants running along the Maryville and Alcoa Greenways.
The mission of the Festival and Games is to provide educational insight into the region’s Scottish and Scots-Irish culture, and to showcase Maryville College and the Blount County area. 25 percent of attendees to the event are guests making overnight stays in the area, supporting Blount County tourism with hotel stays and dining.
Scottish Festival and Games Board Member Keith Austin finds that in addition to the tourism benefits, the event provides enrichment and entertainment.
“The event is a wonderful opportunity for the East Tennessee area to experience a unique culture and heritage,” said Austin. “This is a highly-anticipated event that draws thousands of spectators and participants. We’re thrilled that it supports Maryville College and provides funds that enable students to pursue higher education in the area.”
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 $14,000 in Maryville College scholarships since its founding.
“In addition to funds for scholarships and campus improvements, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games gives thousands to people from around the United States a reason to visit Maryville College, and that helps raise our national visibility,” said Maryville College President Dr. Tom Bogart. “We are very appreciative to the Games’ board members and volunteers who work year-round on an event that benefits so many people.”
The next Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games will be held the weekend of May 19 and 20, 2018 at Maryville College.
For more information about the festivities and ticket sales, visit smokymountaingames.org or contact Keith Austin at [email protected]. The SMSFG is an IRS 501(C)(3) charitable organization.