HAYESVILLE, NC – The heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) which reportedly dates back to to more than 11,000 years will shine Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 am – 3 pm at the 8th annual Cherokee Heritage Festival in historic Hayesville.

Located just off the Hayesville Square and adjacent to the Clay County Old  Jail Museum, the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is a replica of a 17th century homestead complete with a winter house, summer house, corn crib, multi-use shelter and mound gardens. The area will serve as the site of the festival. “The exhibit is the perfect place to see the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sharing their culture,” a visitor from a past festival commented.

This 2019 event will include:

• Stories on the Cherokee culture
• Demonstrations on flint knapping and woodcarving by renowned artist and EBCI member Davy Arch
• Hoop dancing by world champion performer Eddie Swimmer
• Art Demonstrations: finger weaving, bead work, basket weaving, dart making, and blowgun skills
• Flute music by Dan Hollifield, a Hayesville crafter and member of the Cherokee Nation
• Native American-related activities for children
• Food by Reed Frybread: fry bread with various toppings, hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages
• Authentic Native American art for perusal and purchase
• Native plants “walk and talks” by MountainTrue resoration Coordinator Tony Ward

The Clay County Old Jail Museum will be open for touring at no charge during the festival. The historic site features artifacts, local history displays, and art. A silent auction will take place with work from regional artists.

A free shuttle will transport festival guests from several parking lots to the exhibit and museum.

Nearby, the two mile Quanassee Path: A Cherokee History Trail features the exhibit, museum, Cherokee Cultural Center at Moss Memorial Library, Spikebuck Mound/Quanassee town site, and the Botanical Santuary. While in Hayesville, visitors are encouraged to view the new Lake Chatuge Cherokee History kiosks which are the result of a Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority.

CCCRA, a non-profit organization, is sponsoring the free festival. Last year’s event was cancelled due to rain, but at the time of publication, the weather forecast is predicting sunny skies for the 2019 affair.

For additional information, dial 828-389-3045 or click this link.