On Saturday, September 27, the Plateau’s past and present will converge at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park for the Highlands Heritage Jamboree, a lively tribute to the town’s 150th anniversary.
From 3:30 to 7:30 P.M, residents and visitors alike will gather for an afternoon steeped in tradition – where bluegrass melodies, clogging rhythms, and the unmistakable sound of bagpipes echo through the trees.
Presented by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, the Jamboree is the crowning jewel of a yearlong sesquicentennial celebration. It honors the legacy of Highlands’ founders, Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson, whose 1875 vision of a mountaintop retreat continues to inspire generations.
The musical lineup is a nod to the region’s roots and rhythms:
The beloved Highlands Bagpipers return to stir hearts with their stirring renditions, adding a Celtic thread to the Appalachian tapestry.
The Bailey Mountain Cloggers, an award-winning troupe from Mars Hill University, will dazzle with synchronized footwork and traditional dance.
Shedhouse Trio with Darren Nicholson takes the stage at 5:00 P.M. The group brings a lively, genre-blending sound to the mountain music scene, led by Brady Wallen (banjo), Sarah Griffin (bass), and Avery Welter (guitar). Their seamless fusion of bluegrass, western swing, country, folk, and gospel is enriched by special guests Darren Nicholson on mandolin and Aynsley Porchak on fiddle, adding depth and dynamic flair.
Between performances, guests are invited to explore the Highlands Historical Society’s curated display—a window into the town’s transformation from rugged frontier to thriving mountain haven. And when hunger strikes, Highlands Smokehouse will be on hand, serving up savory, slow-smoked fare that’s steeped in Southern tradition—perfect for a day of honoring Highlands’ rich past.
The Jamboree is more than entertainment – it’s a living history lesson, a reunion, and a promise. It celebrates the people who’ve shaped Highlands with grit and grace, and it invites newcomers to become part of the story.
Admission is free, and all are welcome. For event details, visit the Highlands Chamber’s website at highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112.
As twilight falls and fiddles sing, the Highlands Heritage Jamboree reminds us that while the town has grown, its heart remains rooted in community, creativity, and the enduring magic of the mountains.
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