The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit in Hayesville was alive with Cherokee Indian demonstrations, dancing, music and storytelling on Saturday, Sept. 21. Smoke from a small fire filled the air and flute music filtered out of the winter house. The aroma of Reed's Cherokee Frybread tempted the appetites of many attending the festival.
Festival attendees like artist Marie Haas described the event with the words, “Excellent job of practicing the Cherokee heritage.” Others found it awesome and informative.
Champion hoop dancer Eddie Swimmer thrilled attendees with his whirling hoops and humorous commentary. Audience participants tried to learn a couple hoop moves to the delight of Swimmer and observers, illustrating how difficult it is to maneuver the hoops while moving your feet. No doubt it took Swimmer many years to perfect the art of hoop dancing which earned him the title of Champion Hoop Dancer in the first-held hoop dancing competition. For those of us who have difficulty managing one hula hoop, we were fascinated to see him make intricate patterns with up to 32 hoops. Several children agreed to provide rhythm backup for Swimmer, which illustrated how much he enjoys entertaining and teaching children. Swimmer challenged all of us to learn more about our own culture.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian artist and storyteller Davy Arch proved to be a favorite again this year. Attendees were enthralled with stories and explanations of Cherokee culture. His audiences enjoyed asking questions and throwing out names of animals which Arch would include in legends and stories from the Cherokee culture. When not sharing stories, Arch and cousin George demonstrated flint knapping and told how various items were made and how they were used.
Western Carolina University's Jane Eastman spent the day demonstrating how to make hominy. Eastman's four students helped keep the fire burning and joined in to demonstrate how to pound and sift the corn kernels. Eastman made the large replica of a Cherokee pot, which she used to cook the corn. The festival provided Eastman and the students the opportunity to practice making hominy, which will be taught in a class at the university in the coming month.
Another member of the Swimmer family, Melvena Swimmer, provided examples and demonstrated how to make pottery in the style passed down from her grandmother, North Carolina Heritage Award winning Cherokee and beloved woman Amanda Swimmer.
Singer and leader of the Cherokee Traditional Dancers J.R. Wolfe, Jr. said, “I really appreciate being given the opportunity to share our culture with people outside the Qualla Boundary. This festival allows us to do that. We hope you’ll invite us back again next year.” When not dancing, the dancers demonstrated wood carving, finger weaving, metal work, bead weaving, basketry, moccasin-making, blowgun techniques and hand-built pottery. James Wolfe Sr. sang a hymn in Cherokee several times during the day so visitors could hear the spoken Cherokee language, many for the first time.
Hayesville’s Dan Hollifield captivated attendees throughout the day with his flute-playing. Even though Hollifield was out of sight in the winter house, people were drawn to his beautiful flute music, and then were delighted with information about the Cherokee culture and other skills he shared willingly.
Children of all ages enjoyed decorating a gourd rattle or dipper gourd, making a beaded necklace and trying out a blowgun which they could take home as a festival souvenir. For most of the youngsters, the craft area was their favorite activity of the day.
MountainTrue Western Regional staff members Callie Moore and Tony Ward provided information about native plants during the festival. Scavenger hunts, walks throughout the Cherokee Botanical Sanctuary and plants available for sale highlighted the emphasis on native plants along the Quanassee Path. Visitors also enjoyed walking through the Clay County Historical & Arts Council Botanical Native Plant garden located below the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit along the Quanassee Path.
Many festival visitors appreciated taking home a piece of art work, jewelry, wood craft or Quanassee Path T-shirt as a reminder of the day’s activities.
The festival was organized by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association. Appreciation is given to Clay County Historical & Arts Council, Clay County Lion’s Club, Clay County Police Auxiliary, Historic Hayesville, Inc., MountainTrue Western Regional Office, Take-A-Break Portables, Young Harris College soccer players, Tiger's Store, Friends of the Library Bookstore and the many volunteers who assisted with the event.
If you enjoyed the festival and would like to see this free event continue, make a donation by mailing your check to CCCRA, PO Box 1533, Hayesville, NC 28904 or visit: www.cccra-nc.org.