Fontana Village, NC
March, 2026

Fontana Village Resort & Marina, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is set to host an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day Celebration featuring Zeb Ross and the J Creek Cloggers. The event will honor the region’s rich dance heritage with a special tribute to Bill Nichols, “The Grandfather of Modern Clogging,” and will also feature an
Irish-inspired buffet created by award-winning chef
Brian McGackin blending Appalachian rhythm with Celtic flavor for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.

Known for his lively footwork, signature blue overalls, and infectious energy, Zeb Ross has become a modern ambassador for Appalachian dance. Together with the J Creek Cloggers, based in Haywood County, North Carolina, Ross celebrates the deep-rooted culture of Southern Appalachian-style clogging, connecting past and present through rhythm and movement.

The J Creek Cloggers’ performances combine traditional technique with contemporary flair, showcasing the enduring spirit and cultural pride of mountain communities. Their goal is to preserve clogging’s authenticity while engaging new audiences across America and beyond. Their inclusion in Fontana’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities highlights both the historical and living legacy of this cherished regional art form.

As part of the evening’s festivities, Fontana Village will hold a special dedication to Bill Nichols, whose life and legacy are inseparable from both the resort’s history and the modern evolution of clogging.

The roots of this tradition stretch back to the early 1940s, when the Fontana Square Dance Team was formed during the construction of Fontana Dam. After the work camp transitioned into a resort, a recreation director began using the local dance team and the Fontana String Band (now known as the Fontana Ramblers, which often featured guest performances by country legend Ronnie Milsap) as part of the resort’s marketing and entertainment program.

In 1954, a young high school student named Bill Nichols began working at Fontana’s “Dam Gift Shop.” Upon graduating, he became a full-time employee and soon a crowd favorite as part of the resort’s dance team. Nichols, known for his enthusiasm and creativity, organized the group he fondly called the “Parking-Lot Cloggers,” since they often practiced outdoors.

During the summer season, the Fontana Square Dance Team performed three nights a week, frequently drawing crowds of over 600 guests in the event hall. Their popularity led Fontana to ask Nichols to teach clogging classes. It was then that he created the first written method and standardized vocabulary for teaching clogging, a revolutionary system that remains the foundation for instruction today.

This system, now internationally recognized by the International Music Educators Association, helped spread clogging from its mountain roots to classrooms and performance stages around the world. For his mentorship and innovation, Nichols became known as “The Grandfather of Modern Clogging,” and Fontana Village earned recognition as “The Birthplace of Modern Clogging.”

Nichols passed away in 2018 at the age of 80, leaving behind a transformative legacy. A year later, the National Day of Clogging and International Day of Clog Dancing were officially established in his honor ensuring his influence lives on through every dancer who carries forward his distinctive style.

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Fontana Village Resort will also offer an Irish-inspired buffet deliciously curated by award-winning chef Brian McGackin. Chef McGackin, known for his creative culinary approach and deep respect for regional ingredients, will bring an Appalachian twist to traditional Irish fare. Guests can look forward to a mouthwatering spread that pairs perfectly with the high-energy entertainment of the evening blending the warmth of mountain hospitality with the spirit of Celtic celebration.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Fontana Village will be more than a festive performance it will be an immersive experience that honors Appalachian heritage, culinary artistry, and community tradition. With Zeb Ross and the J Creek Cloggers lighting up the stage, a heartfelt dedication to Bill Nichols, and an amazing buffet by Chef Brian McGackin, guests are guaranteed an evening filled with joy, culture, and connection.

Join Fontana Village Resort for a truly unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration that blends the best of mountain music, Irish flavor, and Appalachian dance heritage.

For more information or reservations, visit FontanaVillage.com or contact info@fontanavillage.com.