Event celebrates Celtic heritage with traditional music, athletic competitions, and cultural displays.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Appalachian Highland Celts hosted the opening day of its annual Celtic Festival on Saturday at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, drawing a lively crowd eager to celebrate and explore Celtic traditions. Organizers anticipate more than 3,500 people will attend the two-day event, which features a wide array of activities designed to immerse visitors in the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic nations.
The festival, now a staple in the local community, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, food, and educational experiences. Among the highlights of Saturday’s festivities were performances by Highland dancers and the Knoxville Pipe and Drums, whose traditional bagpipe music resonated throughout the historic site. Visitors also enjoyed browsing through vendor stalls offering authentic Celtic crafts and cuisine.
Beyond the music and food, the festival emphasized athletic prowess through various Celtic competitions. Attendees were treated to displays of strength and skill in events like the caber toss, hammer throw, shot put, and weight-for-height contests—traditional Scottish games that have been part of Highland culture for centuries.
One of the more unique offerings was a gladiator combat show, which added extra excitement to the event. Participants and spectators alike reveled in the lively atmosphere, with many taking the opportunity to learn more about their Celtic roots.
Larry Rose, president of the Appalachian Highland Celts, underscored the importance of events like the Celtic Festival in preserving and promoting Celtic heritage. "It’s important to know who we are and where we came from and pass that along to our kids and grandkids, and it’s fun," Rose said. The festival provides a platform for educating the public about Celtic history, traditions, and the contributions of Celtic nations to the broader world.
Sunday’s schedule promises more opportunities for engagement, with athletic competitions continuing from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. The festival’s organizers encourage anyone interested in trying their hand at the traditional games to participate, ensuring a lively and inclusive atmosphere for all.
The Appalachian Highland Celts, formerly the Upper East Tennessee Celtic Society, is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to educating the public about Celtic culture and heritage. Throughout the year, the organization hosts and participates in various regional events, ranging from festivals and Highland games to educational presentations. These activities aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the Celts' legacy and ensure that their traditions are passed down to future generations.
The annual Celtic Festival at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site remains one of the organization’s most popular events, offering something for everyone in the family. As the weekend continues, the Appalachian Highland Celts look forward to welcoming even more visitors to join in the celebration.
About the Appalachian Highland Celts: The Appalachian Highland Celts is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving and promoting the Celts and Celtic nations' culture, heritage, and contributions. Through festivals, Highland games, and educational activities, the organization ensures that the rich traditions of the Celts are celebrated and passed on to future generations.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Local News
Comments / 0