The National Rolley Hole Championship Marbles and Music Festival, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of marbles,” will take place at Standing Stone State Park on Saturday, September 14. This event, now in its 41st year, is open to all ages and runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live bluegrass and old-time music from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition to competitive marbles, the day features a kids marbles festival, marble-making demonstrations, and a marbles swap meet. Youth tournaments will also be held. Food will be available throughout the day. While admission is free, some activities may require a fee, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of Standing Stone State Park.
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“We welcome everyone,” said Park Ranger Jonathan Williams. “It’s a rare event and a unique setting. We want families to know they can enjoy it in many different ways. The tournament has a great tradition, and we’re proud to have it.”
Rolley Hole is a folk game similar to croquet. Players use strategy to keep opponents from making the hole, often requiring skillful shots that send other marbles ricocheting across the yard. The competition follows the rules of the National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship and is played on a dirt yard measuring 40×25 feet. Standing Stone is the only state park in the nation with a dedicated marbles yard, largely because many of the best players come from Tennessee’s Clay County.
The event is recognized as one of the most effective public-sector folklife projects in Tennessee, promoting cultural heritage, community heritage, and folklife across the region, state, and beyond.
This year’s sponsors include Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee Arts Commission, King Auto Parts, Honest Abe Log Homes, N&L Business Systems, Southern Landscape Supply, and Diamond 9 Sports.
Standing Stone State Park is located 10 miles north of Livingston, just off Highway 52 near Celina, and spans nearly 1,000 acres on the Highland Rim of north-central Tennessee. For more information about the festival and Standing Stone State Park, call 931-823-6347 or visit Standing Stone State Park online.
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