Historic Rugby hosting the 15th annual Return of the British Car Show and a tea table setting contest on Saturday to celebrate the community’s English heritage.
Organizing committee member John Rigby said the village established in 1880 serves as a unique backdrop. It was designed to recreate a British life within the mountains of East Tennessee.
“It fits nicely into a car show for British cars,” Rigby said. “And it also fits nicely into a British tea setting type show so, and those two, those together, is the wrong word, they occur at the same time, so that people get to look at two things that are quintessentially British”
Rigby said the village was founded by a famous English author as an aspirational settlement for the younger sons of the aristocracy. Rigby said the historic site still features original operations including a print shop, publishing facilities, and historic homes.
Rigby said the tea table setting contest is held in one of the original settlement houses and reflects a traditional British status symbol that transitioned into a hobby. Rigby said visitors have the opportunity to participate in the contest by voting for their favorite displays.
“You can meet enthusiasts for British cars,” Rigby said. “You can meet enthusiasts for table settings. You can take tours of the historic buildings. There are tours of the area around also by the National Park service.”
Rigby said the event maintains a low-stress atmosphere where car owners are encouraged to discuss their vehicles with the public. Rigby said registration remains open for anyone who owns a British car and wishes to display it during the show.
Rigby said the village also offers shops, galleries, and food vendors for attendees to visit throughout the day. Rigby said additional activities including music and road bowling are available for those who arrive in the area on Friday evening.
The event takes place Saturday from 9amto 3pm.
