5th Annual PlottFest is June 18-19

From Visit NC Smokies:

The 5th Annual PlottFest Tracks Its Way Back into Maggie Valley June 18-19th, 2016

Waynesville, NC – As the proud home the official North Carolina State Dog, the Plott Hound, Haywood County is gearing up for the 5th Annual PlottFest as it tracks it’s way back to the Maggie Valley Fair Grounds June 18-19th, 2016. The Plott Family, who settled in Haywood County by way of Germany in the early 1800’s, have developed and bred the Plott Hound for over 200 years. Known for their keen bear and raccoon hunting skills, they have left their mark in the Southern Appalachians and beyond as strong, courageous, persistent dogs and loyal companions.

PlottFest, which runs June 18-19th, enters into its the fifth year by celebrating the Plott Hound with a two-day music and heritage event. In just five short years, the festival has grown from a one-day music festival with less than 10 dogs on site to a multi day event featuring world-class musicians and over 200 Plott Hounds anticipated on site this year.

Highlights of the 2016 Festival include:
A UKC sanctioned bench show sponsored by the National Plott Hound Association
Mechanical bay events sponsored by the American Plott Association
A youth Plott show with all participants receiving awards
Special awards for “King and Queen” Plott
Agility demonstrations by champion Plott Hounds and search and rescue Plotts
Trout fishing instruction for youth by Hunter Banks
Demonstrations of blacksmithing, canning, carving and more
An expanded Children’s area with inflatable attractions
Arts and Craft vendors, dog supply vendors and food vendors
Antique trucks, tractors and hayride
Musical Performances by Balsam Range, Blue Highway, The Lonesome River Band, Milan Miller and Buddy Melton, Sam Lewis, Jon Byrd, The Dismembered Tennesseans, Eddie Rose and Highway 40, Carolina Blue and The Carolina Express.

Visitors will also receive a map of The Plott Dog Trail in Maggie Valley. A joint project between the Town of Maggie Valley and the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority came to life courtesy of Ernestine Upchurch, a proud descendent of the original Plott family. This loop trail through Maggie Valley explores the history of the Plott Hound with 18 stops throughout the valley. The trail, which has been combined with the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters map, provides visitors and locals with a unique outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The PlottFest mission statement, “Celebrating our Heritage, Investing in our Future” is most fitting given it also serves as a fundraiser for Head Start of Haywood and Jackson County. This quality, affordable, family-friendly event attracts visitors from all parts of the country and all of the proceeds directly benefit Haywood County’s most vulnerable citizens, the children of impoverished families. The proceeds are donated directly to Head Start as discretionary funds and the money has been used to provide food and winter coats for the children and will help purchase much needed school supplies to upcoming kindergartners as they begin public school.
Planning to go? More info, including PlottFest tickets can be be found online at www.plottfest.org or at the gate and are $15 each day.  For additional information contact Amy Spivey – plottfest@yahoo.com.