Scots-Irish Festival Marches in to Dandridge

Photo by Amber Fitzpatrick

The 2019 Scots-Irish festival brought great talent and many grins to the town of Dandridge. This yearly event celebrated Celtic heritage from local ancestors who settled in the area shortly after the Revolutionary War. Festival goers traveled from surrounding states to learn about the Scots-Irish culture and relish in delicious Celtic food. Entertainment for the event was spread across two separate stages, as well as the Dandridge Dike.


Photo by Amber Fitzpatrick

A long standing tradition in Dandridge, the Scots-Irish festival brings an eclectic array of visitors, vendors and entertainers. Vendors Justine and Brain Kinch have been setting up their booth for over ten years. Brian described their booth as the “five and dime” of the vendors, with souvenirs like music, books, shirts, jewelry, and toys. North American Chieftain, Richard Graham, traveled from Atlanta to represent the Honored Clan of Graham. Though Richard has traveled to Scotland and Ireland, he enjoys the festivals to celebrate his heritage. Saturday’s event was Richards first time at the Dandridge Scots-Irish festival and he described it as “a family picnic, everyone feels like family”. The Atholl Highlanders Pipe and Drum band attended the festival two years ago and were very eager to make an appearance again at this year’s festival. Most of the individuals who are in the band have traced their roots and band member Russ Wilkins described their band as “very clan oriented”, as they proudly wear their crests and own clan badges outside of the festivities as well. John Rose, also a member of the Atholl Band, explained that they are one of the only two Atholl bands in the world. After requesting permission from the Duke of Atholl, they are the only band representing the clan in the United States.


Photo by Amber Fitzpatrick

Above average temperatures could not best the kilted clansmen and women, as they proudly displayed their family tartans. Numbers of visitors in town for the festival and the preceding activities were large, as was the response from local participants. The Scots-Irish festival is an annual event and is a highly anticipated kick off to fall in the local area.


Photo by Amber Fitzpatrick
Source: Amber Fitzpatrick, Jefferson County Post