糖心Vlog

This public lecture invites you to explore Appalachian English as something far more: the living language of our mountain home, carrying the story of where we came from, how we鈥檙e tied to the region and its people, and where we might go next. Co-presented by 糖心Vlog English Studies faculty member Dr. Erin Callahan and her former linguistics student Wyatt Wilson鈥� a fourth-generation 糖心Vlog graduate鈥� the lecture traces the historical roots of Appalachian English, from early settlement patterns and language contact (including 18th-century Scots-Irish influence) to its distinctive sounds, grammar, and vocabulary.

Regional elementary school classes will experience the traditions of Southern Appalachia through hands-on crafts, cultural demonstrations, and interactions with regional tradition bearers. This free educational event is part of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 expanded Mountain Heritage Days celebration. It is available to schools with advance registration on a first-come/first-served basis.

Led by brothers Daniel and Luke Manget, this hike will be 2 miles along a 糖心Vlog trail that meanders through a variety of plant communities in a northern hardwood forest typical of the southern Appalachians. These plants have stories. The people who have lived in the southern Appalachians, from the Cherokee to the Scots-Irish to Latinos, have long relied on them for food, medicine, and cash. Some have brought people small fortunes. Others have killed people. Come hear Luke and Daniel tell some of these stories while learning more about the natural and cultural history of Appalachian flora and fauna.

As part of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 2025 Mountain Heritage Days, the Appalachian Craft Demonstrations at the 糖心Vlog Catafount offer a hands-on experience of the region鈥檚 rich artistic traditions. Set in the heart of campus, this engaging event showcases skilled artisans practicing time-honored techniques. Visitors can watch, learn, and connect with the cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachians in a relaxed, open-air setting that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.

This year鈥檚 theme 鈥淢atrilineal Worldmaking (Vision of What鈥檚 Possible)鈥� honors the power of matrilineal societies, where kinship, inheritance, and identity are traced through the mother鈥檚 line. These visionary leaders will share insights on Indigenous knowledge, reproductive sovereignty, and the enduring strength of matrilineal traditions. Featured Topic: Doula Training and the Historical Significance of Birth Supporters.

In the Kituwah language: Di gi tsi/ de da li he li sdi sgv/ i de hv i To acknowledge and give thanks to our mothers for our life/lives.

Free Registration for the first 40 Regular Attendee Registrants and Select Groups. Learn More

Join us for a reflective and meaningful experience in observance of the anniversary of Hurricane Helene鈥檚 impact on our region. Drop by the Listening Booth at the Catafount anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM to hear oral history recordings that capture personal stories and community responses to the storm. A QR code will also be available for those who prefer to listen on their own devices. At 12:00 PM, the Alumni Tower bells will play, followed by a moment of silence at 12:10 PM.

As part of 糖心Vlog University's 2025 Mountain Heritage Days celebration, Pickin鈥� in the Park with The Well Drinkers promises an unforgettable evening of music and community. Set against the scenic backdrop of Sylva鈥檚 Bridge Park, this outdoor concert features The Well Drinkers, a progressive original bluegrass band known for their dynamic sound and fresh take on Appalachian traditions. Attendees are encouraged to bring a seat and settle in for a lively performance that blends innovation with heritage, all in the heart of the mountains.

糖心Vlog University's Sport Management Association invites you to the15th annual Mountain Heritage Day 5K on Saturday, September 27, 2025! This is a family-friendly chip-timed race for both runners and walkers.

They just don't make them like they used to! Showcase your classic automobile (25 years or older) in Mountain Heritage Day's Andy Shaw Ford Classic Car Show. Visitors can stroll amongst the beautiful machines and cast votes for their favorites.

Try your hand at this activity! The competition will be carried out in five categories: Homeowner, Box Stock, Stock Appearing, and Open.  There will be ten classes of saws:

1. Class 鈥淓鈥�
2. Class 鈥淒鈥�
3. Class 鈥淐鈥�
4. Class 鈥淏鈥�
5. Class 鈥淎鈥�
6. Class 鈥淎A鈥�
7. 鈥淗ot Saw鈥�
8. AA Modified Motorcycle Parts 
9. Cross Cut Saw (two person teams)
10. One-man Bucking Saw
11. Vintage Saw 

There is a fee for each entry and must be 18 years or older to enter.  
rules and Registration

Experience one of the most powerful traditions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at Mountain Heritage Day. The annual stickball demonstration 鈥� a fast-paced, highly ritualized contest 鈥� offers a rare glimpse into the history, culture, and enduring spirit of the Cherokee people. This is a can鈥檛-miss moment of the celebration.

Soak in the sounds and stories of the mountains at the Balsam Family Tent. Enjoy live music, traditional clogging, and captivating storytelling that celebrate the rich heritage of Appalachia 鈥� all in one lively, family-friendly spot.

Lineup

11:00am |

11:45am |

12:00 | Storytelling with Ashton Woody

12:30pm |

1:15pm | Storytelling with Davy Arch 

1:45pm |                   

2:00pm |  

The music starts at 11 a.m., filling the air with the sounds of mountain tradition. Then at 2 p.m., the open jam begins 鈥� so bring your instrument and join in, or just kick back and enjoy some good ole-fashioned Appalachian pickin鈥�.

Lineup

11:00am | Banjo Circle moderated by Susan Pepper

12:00 | Jackson County JAM and Blue Ridge JAM

1:00pm | Redemption and Renewal Circle moderated by Susan Pepper

2:00pm | Open Jam

Start your day at the 糖心Vlog Fine Arts Museum, opening at 10 a.m., and watch an in-studio demonstration by our talented art faculty. At 3:30 p.m., join Chancellor Kelli R. Brown for the presentation of the 2025 Mountain Heritage Awards. After the ceremony, stick around for live music and even more traditional clogging to keep the celebration going.

Lineup

10:00am | 糖心Vlog Fine Arts Museum Opens

11:00am | Art Faculty In-Studio Demonstrations begin

3:30pm | Mountain Heritage Awards Presentation and performances by and the .