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 the songs of the season. A local seasonal musical tradition is the Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas program, to be held at the Heritage Pavilion at the Hagood Mill Historic Site on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year the performers will include The East Coasters, Goers & Allen, Buzzy & Micheal and more. The East Coasters, a super group from up and down the East Coast, has toured across the American South, Midwest, and Northeast. Consisting of Madeline Dierauf, Richard Osban, and Calum Bell, The East Coasters released their debut album in October 2024. 

Lucy Allen and Marshall Goers are an acoustic duo whose passion for roots music combines elements of various musical genres. For the past 12 years, Goers and Allen have shared the stage and continue to create memorable musical performances.

Elizabeth Adams and Mike Ellison make up the duo Buzzy & Micheal. They have been playing music together for more than 30 years.

On Dec. 21 Hagood Mill will also host a variety of folklife and traditional arts demonstrations. The Mill will be running, and the holiday grits will be grinding. 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 great selection of the area's artisans. Visitors will find everything from a Christmas dessert to that last minute gift.

Pre-purchased admission tickets are $8 per person aged 10 and up; Children age 9 and under are free. Admissions tickets on the day of the event will be $10 per person aged 10 and up. There is no parking fee. Admission is for entertainment at the Heritage Pavilion.

Patrons are not required to pay if they are only visiting the historic side to purchase their holiday grits in the mill. All proceeds from admission help offset the costs at Hagood Mill.