Jonesborough’s 6th Annual St. Paddy’s Celebration
A celebration of Celtic culture is coming to Tennessee’s Oldest Town for the 6th annual St. Paddy’s Celebration on Saturday, March 18. Discover everything from Highland cows to live Irish music and green beer to a fun run.
Highland Games – 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Join the Appalachian Highlands Celts in Storytelling Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as they bring Highland Games to Jonesborough. Enjoy demonstrations from members of the group and even try your hand to see if you have what it takes to be a Highland games athlete. The Appalachian Highlands Celts will guide you through the safety of performing in the games and show you step-by-step techniques. Visitors can try their hand at the stone throw, weight over bar, archery and spear throwing. Throw on your best kilt and get ready to show your strength.
Highland Cows – 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Meet and greet with Highland calves from Happy Hens and Highlands. You will get a hands-on experience, learn more about the breed, and have a chance to get your photo with a Highland Cow!
Live Irish Music – 5 to 7 P.M.
Get into the St. Paddy’s spirit with live Irish music during Shamrockin’ on the Plaza in front of the International Storytelling Center from 4 to 7 p.m. with the Appalachian Celtic band Wild Blue Yonder, from East Tennessee, starting at 5 p.m. They are a 6-piece group of professional entertainers who take “roots music” to a whole new level, performing Irish, Scottish and Appalachian tunes. The line-up includes fiddle, whistles, mandolin, banjo, bagpipe, bouzouki and Celtic drums.
Irish Food + Drinks – 4 – 7 P.M.
During Shamrockin’ on the Plaza, enjoy a beer garden brought by Main Street Cafe and Catering with beer from Depot Street Brewing and Tennessee Hills Brewstillery. Main Street Café and Catering will also provide a special menu of Irish foods consisting of bangers and mash with onion gravy and beef stew. Food and drink will begin being served at 4 p.m.
Paddy’s Dash: Brew Fun Run – 4 P.M.
Take part in Paddy’s Dash: Brew Fun Run at 4 p.m. The run will begin at the Storytelling Center and take you down to Depot Street Brewing for a free small pour of beer or root beer, then head back to the Storytelling Center for food, libations, and live Irish music! The Fun Run is for all ages and there is no fee to enter. Participants are welcome to walk/jog/run the route. After the run, stick around for Shamrockin’ on the Plaza.
Kids Activities – 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
The kids are sure to enjoy crafts, storytelling, and more!
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kids craft with the McKinney Center
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kids games with Everblade Academy
Mini Craft Village – 11 A.M – 5 P.M.
There will be a mini craft village with local artists and craftsmen showcasing a variety of handmade wares beside Storytelling Park in the courtyard. You can enter through Storytelling Park or take the elevator inside of the Storytelling Center to get to the outdoor courtyard.
Guided History Tours – 1 P.M. to 6 P.M.
Step back in time with the Heritage Alliance by taking a Town Tour at 1 p.m. Tour tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Chester Inn Museum located on Main Street, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dress Up!
Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in kilts, leprechaun outfits, or simply all decked out in green. Shamrockin’ on the Plaza is sponsored by Main Street Café and Catering. This event is free and open to the public.
