By Sandy Nicolette
Guest Writer
The rich and proud heritage of our Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which reportedly dates back over 11,000 years, will be brought to life from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, with live demonstrations and presentations at the Cherokee Heritage Festival in Hayesville.
Located next to the Clay County Old Jail Museum, the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is a replica of a 17th century homestead complete with winter house, summer house, corn crib, multi-use shelter and mound gardens and will be the site of the festival. Visitors to previous festivals have commented, “The exhibit is the perfect place to see the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sharing their culture.” This year’s free event will feature:
• Traditional dancing by Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian performers.
• Stories about Cherokee culture, and demonstrations of flint knapping and woodcarving by widely recognized artist and member of EBCI, Davy Arch.
• Hoop dancing by world champion dancer Eddie Swimmer.
• Demonstrations of arts and crafts including finger weaving, bead work, basket weaving, dart making, blowgun skills, wood carving, flint knapping, etc. by Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
• Flute music by Dan Hollifield, Hayesville resident and member of the Cherokee Nation who makes the flutes he plays.
• Cherokee-related activities for children of all ages.
• Cherokee Trails map and discussion by Lamar Marshall, Research Director and Historical Graphics Designer for Southeast Heritage, researching and mapping Cherokee trails, ecology and geography in conjunction with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and North Carolina Trail of Tears Association, re-creating cultural landscapes by integrating archives, early surveys and historical maps.
• Food by Reed Frybread: frybread with a variety of toppings, hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages.
• Authentic Cherokee art for your perusal and purchase.
• Native plant “walks and talks” by MountainTrue.
• Miss Cherokee Amy West will be in attendance.
In addition to the festival, you’ll want to visit the adjacent Clay County Old Jail Museum, which features Cherokee artifacts, local history displays and art. There is no entrance fee.
You are encouraged to visit other attractions along the 2-mile Quanassee Path: A Cherokee History Trail which includes the exhibit, museum, Cherokee Cultural Center at Moss Memorial Library, Spikebuck Mound/Quanassee Town site and the Cherokee Botanical Sanctuary. While you are in Hayesville, you might like to see the new Lake Chatuge Cherokee history kiosks, which are the result of a Clay County Communities Revitalization Association partnership with TVA. This same weekend other events include a Beal Center Benefit Concert “An Evening with Matt Stillwell” on the square Friday night and the annual Pet Celebration on the square Saturday. Make a weekend of it in Hayesville.
For details call Rob Tiger or Curt Wheeler at (828)371-0462, email: chfhayesville@gmail.com, or visit: www.cccra-nc.org. The museum and exhibit are located just off the downtown square.
The address is 805 Highway 64 Business in Hayesville. A golf cart shuttle will provide free service from several parking areas and downtown to the exhibit and museum. This free event is sponsored by CCCRA, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.