May 16 » Maggie Valley
Bred for more than three centuries here in Western North Carolina by the Plott family, the Plott hound has been the official state dog since 1989. This annual celebration honors the breed—and mountain culture—with a canine-centric day of crafts, concerts, local food, Plott hound competitions, and more. A bench show will also be hosted by the United Kennel Club. » Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; $15, free for children under 13. maggievalleync.gov, www.bobplott.net