As we all know, Appalachia is rich in heritage and culture, but did you know that it also has a celebrated Celtic heritage from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland?
Celtic Culture and Appalachia
Image courtesy of Creative Commons
Combine history with art and fantasy, and you have Appalachian Renaissance Faire, Inc!
The Appalachian Renaissance Faire, Inc. (also known as ARF) was established roughly three years ago by a group of individuals who wanted to share Appalachia’s Celtic culture and heritage.
The storyline of ARF is this: In the 17th century, Scottish and English Protestants found their way to Ulster Plantation, a British colony in Ireland, to start a new life with their families. The prosperity of the Ulster Plantation gave them new opportunities and many made the passage to the American colonies in the 18th century. Soon after the American Revolution began to rumble through the colonies, that the Celts helped shape. They were considered libertarians in what was referred to as this “New World.” The ancient warrior spirit of Celtic culture brought a fire for freedom to the revolution and a resilience to the Appalachia culture that followed.
This spirit inspires ARF to implement this history into the Appalachian Celtic culture of today. At the center of their work is the motto “The Mountains Give Us Strength.” A true blend of how Celtic culture shaped Appalachia’s courageous spirit.
Appalachian Renaissance Faire Accomplishments
Each year, the Renaissance Festival Awards Committee announces a festival winner. Renaissance Festival fans come together to vote for winners each year. This year will be the 14th annual award nominations.
ARF won second place for the 13th Annual Renaissance Festival Awards just last year. Coming up on February 16, 2019, Appalachian Renaissance Faire, Inc. will be holding its “A Renaissance Romance” celebration.
Image courtesy of Creative Commons
The event will be from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. Guests will have the opportunity to dance the night way, all while enjoying Hors d’ourves, a cash bar and even a floor show.
What’s a Renaissance celebration without costumes? That’s right – costumes are also encouraged.
Event location: Holiday Inn
101 West Springbrook Drive
Johnson City, Tennessee 37604
For tickets, click here or purchase in person at the Holiday Inn Reservation Desk. Individual tickets are $40 or you can buy a couple’s package for $75 (hence the Renaissance romance theme).
This will be right around Valentine’s Day, so if you are in the area and have not made plans, you may want to bring your sweetie to this unique, exciting event!
Make it a weekend getaway. The Holiday Inn in Johnson City is offering discounts to guests who stay in their hotel. All you have to do is mention the Appalachian Renaissance Faire when making reservations.
Be sure to check out all the other romantic getaways around Appalachia.
How to Get in Touch
Appalachian Renaissance Faire is located at:
220 Piney Flats Road, Suite 6
Piney Flats, Tennessee 37686
Phone:
423-900-1587
Email:
[email protected]
