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Smokey Mountain Concours d'Elegance and Scottish Festival
Submitted by Carolyn Sikes

The skies were clear, the sun was bright and the stage was set for Jaguar lovers to enjoy a spectacular sanctioned Concours d'Elegance hosted by the Smoky Mountain Jaguar Club in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  To add to the festivities were the Scottish Festival and Games event.  All of this took place in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains with Pigeon Forge and Cherokee, North Carolina near by.

Friday afternoon, Marvin, Carolyn and Marty Sikes arrived in Gatlinburg.  Dick Maury and his Friend Johnny Carson arrived later in the afternoon.  Both Marvin and Dick were trailering their cars.  The Smoky Mountain Jaguar Club had a quite a food spread, with sandwiches, fruit, desserts, dips and drinks in their hospitality suite.  The Jaguar participants had the opportunity to drive their cars with the
Highland bands in a parade to kick off the festival for the weekend

Saturday morning, we were up early to have breakfast and travel to the concours field. Upon arrival, we could see the Highland bands and dancers starting their competition.  We heard the beautiful bagpipes all day.  The bands and dancers were set up next to our concours field.  In the arena were participants of the Highland games.  The Highland games participants and observers seemed to enjoy the Jaguar cars, as much as we enjoyed them.  Plaid skirts (or should I say "Kilts") were everywhere.

Saturday night was the banquet and awards and a silent auction.  We were entertained by several skits performed by some of the members of the Smoky Mountain Jaguar Club.  Both attending members of our club received prestigious awards.  Dick Maury received a perfect score for the 1st place Champion award in his class and the very special award for "Best in Show".  Marvin Sikes received a first place trophy in the Champion division in his class and a very special "Peoples Choice Award".  With close to 500 votes from people in skirts (kilts) and participants - Marvin was quite honored.

A wonderful time was had by all attending.  We highly recommend this event for any wanting to attend next year.