Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas

The music of the Appalachian region was heavily influenced by the influx of Scotch and Irish immigrants, and this influence has been integral in the development of American folk music traditions. With Christmas approaching and the New Year beckoning, it is time once again to honor the musical traditions of the area by listening to songs of the season. A local seasonal musical tradition is the Celtic Christmas program, to be held at Heritage Pavilion at the Hagood Mill Historic Site on Saturday, December 17, from 10 am – 4 pm.

This year nationally acclaimed performer, composer, arranger, and educator, Jamie Laval, will be headlining the musical lineup. Laval’s unique approach to traditional Celtic music blends the simplicity of an ancient art form with stunning virtuosity and contemporary flair that resonates with families, youth, seniors, and devotees of ethnic, jazz, and classical music.

There will be lots of other things to see on December 17th as Hagood Mill hosts a variety of folklife and traditional-arts demonstrations. The Mill will be running, and the holiday grits will be a grinding. Living history demonstrators will have the option to set up at the Heritage Pavilion with the artisan vendors, or to stay in their regular spots at the Historic Site. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions of the artists, gain insight, and if you wish, spend a little money to secure a traditional arts treasure of your own. There will be an artisan market with a cherry-picked selection of the area’s artisans.

Even though this is his busy time of year, Santa Claus will be stopping by for a short visit from 1 to 2 pm. The Heritage Pavilion is closed in with tarps and will be heated with propane heaters. As always, visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating and to bundle up. The bonfire will be lit, and s’mores will be a roastin’! Come get toasty by the fire.

There promises to be lots to do and lots of fun! Admission is $5.00 per person aged 13 and up. 12 and under are free. There is no parking fee. Admission is for the entertainment at the Heritage Pavilion. All proceeds from admission help offset the costs at Hagood Mill. Patrons are not required to pay if they are only visiting the historic side to purchase their holiday grits in the mill!