Holidays and Days of Special Observance - As enacted, designates August 8 of each year as "Clog Dancing Day in the Volunteer State." - Amends TCA Title 15, Chapter 2. SB1568 has been assigned Public Chapter Number 665 by, the official text

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                             PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 665

                                                    SENATE BILL NO. 1568

                                                              By Roberts

                                           Substituted for: House Bill No. 2566

                                                      By Kumar, Doggett

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to Clog Dancing Day.

         WHEREAS, clog dancing is a vibrant and enduring American folk-art form that draws from
the rich traditions of European, African, and Native American cultures, and continues to thrive in
communities across the nation, particularly in the Appalachian region of Tennessee; and

          WHEREAS, Tennessee holds a special place in the cultural story of clog dancing, where it
has been nurtured for generations as both an expressive art form and a cherished social activity,
often featured at festivals, community events, and family gatherings; and

          WHEREAS, the rich musical traditions of Tennessee-especially bluegrass, folk, and old-
time music-provide a perfect companion to clog dancing, and the dance form has been celebrated
on iconic stages such as the Grand Ole Opry, where cloggers have performed alongside legendary
country musicians, elevating the art to national and international acclaim; and

          WHEREAS, clog dancing continues to be passed down through local studios, schools, and
youth programs, encouraging community engagement and artistic development for dancers of all
ages and backgrounds, while also strengthening Tennessee's tourism and cultural heritage
economy through major events and festivals; and

          WHEREAS, William "Bill" Nichols, the "grandfather of modern clog dancing," significantly
advanced the art form in both recreational and competitive spheres. Therefore, August 8, the
anniversary of his passing, is an appropriate date to promote American clog dancing and inspire
everyone to engage in its joyful exercise; and

          WHEREAS, it is fitting that the State of Tennessee honor the dancers, teachers, and
organizations who have preserved, performed, and advanced this uniquely American art form,
recognizing clog dancing as a meaningful expression of Tennessee's cultural identity and heritage;
now, therefore,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

          SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, is amended by adding the
following as a new section:

                    August 8 of each year is observed as "Clog Dancing Day in the Volunteer State" to
          recognize the cultural, educational, and artistic contributions of clog dancing to this state and
          nation, and to encourage all Tennesseans to celebrate the history, musicality, and
          community spirit of this cherished Appalachian tradition.

          SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.
         SENATE BILL NO. 1568

PASSED:  March 23, 2026

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                    - • l • - • RANDl\;"cNALLY
                                      SPEAKER OF~ SENATE

                                                       -,,w ,--XTON, SPEAKER
                                                             EPRESENTA TIVES

APPROVED this 7tJ.- day o f ~ /                        2026

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                                   BILL LEE, GOVERNOR