THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 - FREE EVENT
Located in Canton’s Sorrells Park, the event begins Thursday, October 5, 4:00-7:00 pm, with the Milltown Farmers Market. Come shop for local produce, baked goods, and other treats while listening to a traditional Bavarian band. German and American food trucks will also be on hand serving up authentic German cuisine along with American favorites. Featured speakers include the honorable mayors from Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 - TICKETED EVENT
Friday, October 6, features more great food as well as performances by local singer-songwriters. Shuttles to the Museum of Haywood County History in nearby Clyde run all weekend, and an afternoon panel discussion with Plott Hound breeders features the characteristics of this amazing breed. A presentation about the German settlers in Dutch Cove and interactive KidsFest activities promise to keep history buffs and youngsters alike entertained. The day winds down with mainstage concerts by the Jacktown Ramblers, and the duo of Will Ritter and Tim McWilliams.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 - TICKETED EVENT
You won’t have any problems finding Sorrells Park on Saturday morning as the Plott Hound trials start the festivities! A United Kennel Club Bench Show selects grand champions, breeders host a panel discussion, and Bob Plott, direct descendant of the original Plott family who developed the breed, shares its history.
Throughout the day, blacksmithing, tanning, and flintlock rifle building demonstrations take you back to pioneer times. Booths by the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, K-9 Curriculum, and other organizations give presentations while the J. Creek Cloggers kick up their heels on the mainstage. KidsFest also kicks into high gear with activities like learning the Pennsylvania Dutch Language, make ‘n take pioneer crafts, dog obedience presentations, storytelling, and much more. The evening concludes with the ever-popular Bluegrass Allstars Band, with Darren Nicholson, Marc Pruett, Reed Jones, and Audie Blaylock.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 - FREE EVENT
On Sunday, the harmonies of shaped-note singing ring throughout Dutch Cove at the historic Morning Star United Methodist Church, once a German Lutheran church established by early settlers in 1825. Singers gather from around Western North Carolina to sing in the do, re, me style as they have done for the last 133 years. Under the direction of June Smathers Jolley, daughter of the late legendary shaped-note singing master, Quay Smathers, audience members are welcome to read or sing along out of loaner copies of the 1873 reprint edition of The Christian Harmony.
Click below for a detailed event schedule.
Plan now to bring the whole family for a fun-filled event that is educational, entertaining, and full of great food!
Children under 18 are admitted free!
Proceeds from PLOTT-TOBER FEST support the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society as well as the efforts of the Canton Historical Museum to fully reopen after flood damage from Tropical Storm Fred in 2021.