Press release from event organizers:
The Cherokees lived in a “magnificent landscape,” which late 18th century naturalist William Bartram described as “infinitely varied and without bound.” With such a richness of vegetation, it is little wonder the Cherokees found so many uses for native plants: food, shelter, fiber for clothing, rope and baskets, medicine, ceremony, weaponry, tools, home furnishings, light, heat, shelters, transportation, and personal adornment.
The Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC) will provide activities and information about native plants along the Quanassee Path: Cherokee History Trail in Hayesville during the Cherokee Heritage Festival, Saturday Sept. 16 from 10 am – 3 pm.
Adults and children will enjoy the native plant scavenger hunt created by the HRWC. Prizes will be awarded to participants who complete the activity successfully. HRWC restoration specialist Tony Ward will conduct native plant walks at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the native plants along the trail and order plants from the HRWC, which will help fund projects throughout the area.
Attending the Cherokee Heritage Festival, you’ll be able to observe modern-day Cherokee practicing the skills passed down from generations of Cherokee who lived in this region. Pottery, baskets, darts, blowguns, flint, jewelry, finger-woven fabric, and carvings will be constructed with techniques passed down from the artists’ ancestors. Oconaluftee Village dancers will perform dances similar to those in which their ancestors paid tribute for successful hunts and crops. Champion Hoop Dancer Eddie Swimmer will perform at 1:30 pm. You’ll want to taste the frybread still being made and enjoyed by modern-day Cherokee. Children will enjoy making a craft to take home as a reminder of the event.
The Cherokee Heritage Festival, hosted by Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and funded by the Conservations Fund’s Resourceful Communities Project, will be held at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, 805 Hwy 64 Business, Hayesville, NC. The festival and entrance to the museum are free.
A silent auction of high quality crafts will be conducted on the museum grounds. Free shuttle bus service will provide transportation between the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, Clay County Museum and nearby parking lots.
Call 828-389-3045 or visit the Website: cccra-nc.org for details about the festival or other Cherokee sites in Hayesville. CCCRA is a charitable organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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