The Historical Association and Museum of the Cherokee Indian are Our Past Is In Your Future. Theirs was a history nearly lost. Just waiting proud members of Southern Highlands for you to discover it. Attractions. We recommend these other great attractions to our visitors. estled among the oak, fir, But unlike many great cultures of the ancient past, and flowered valleys – half shrouded theirs has not been relegated to the dusty catacombs, Nin the blue mist that is the name- inside some forgotten vault of some forsaken museum Biltmore Estate - Chimney Rock Park - Grandfather sake of the Blue Ridge and Great of antiquities. Quite the contrary, they are one of the Mountain - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Nantahala Smoky Mountains – is a culture few Native American tribes to still occupy their Outdoor Center - Old Salem - Tweetsie Railroad whose history reaches back in an original homelands – the – and they Tennessee unbroken chain to a time when invented a written language without being literate Rock City - Gatlinburg Sky Lift - Lookout Mountain even the great pyramids of Egypt in any language beforehand. Such bravery, foresight, Incline Railway - The Lost Sea - Ruby Falls had yet to rise out of the African tenacity, and intelligence has resulted in the vibrant Virginia sands. Theirs is a culture whose Cherokee culture of today. A culture that thrives amid Barter Theatre - Luray Caverns - Natural Bridge legends of the creation were common the demands of modern existence while honoring, knowledge among even their youngest preserving, and, in some cases, resurrecting tribe members, a thousand generations before the aeons-old traditions. first Aztec calendar was chiseled into stone. They were a thoughtful people who established Today the 100-square-mile sovereign nation of democracy and equality many centuries Cherokee welcomes visitors, researchers, artisans, before Jefferson penned the and heads of state equally to enjoy their legendary Declaration of Independence. hospitality, living culture, rich tradition of art, A people so attuned to their and ancient history. Such warmth and openness natural environment and the spirits is just an extension of the silver thread of their plants that their medicine of harmonious coexistence that stretches men had a cure for every known back to the days of glaciers and ailment, millennia before the discovery the mastodon, and reaches of penicillin. This great people were forward into a future the Cherokee – Ani-kituhwa-gi that can only be as they called themselves – and imagined – or perhaps they reigned supreme over the anticipated – by their southeastern mountains of the North American continent legends and prophecies. for over 11,000 years. A people so proud that even great armies could not force them from their homeland among the streams and forests of what is called today Western 800.438.1601 | cherokee-nc.com North Carolina. “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. P.O. Box 460 P.O. 800.438.1601 cherokee-nc.com Cherokee, NC 28719 Cherokee Travel and Tourism Cherokee Travel War club

o truly understand a people, you need to see the world Cherokee Voices Festival June 13 culture through the “Cherokee Experience.” prevailed against through their eyes. At the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, The best of living history demonstrations, traditional Customize your experience to include climates much harsher than ours and about game animals Tcelebrating its 60th anniversary this year, you will be dance, including the Warriors of AniKituhwa, flute music, storytelling, that outweighed their spear-throwing hunters by 80 to treated to such an experience. You’ll be amazed at how storytelling, gospel music in English and Cherokee. This and culture, music and dance, one. You’ll hear about the origins of Cherokee medicine this glorious sweep of days gone can be so magnificent event is free to the public and is sponsored by the North nature walks, Hands-On and the sacred festivals still observed today. and engaging at the same time. Carolina Arts Council. crafts workshops, lectures by You can even give the centuries old butter scholars, Cherokee Heritage Enter and be transported through 11,000 years of history, bean game your best shot. Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration Trails tours, traditional Cherokee including the most extensive collection of September 18-19 Through legend, myth, archaeology, oral Indian dinner and more. Cherokee artifacts in the world, state-of- A celebration of the unique cultures, arts, history, interpretive exhibits, and unrivaled the-art interactive displays, artist series ceremonies, dance, regalia, and language of many Thirteen Moons: Removal Translation collections of Cherokee artifacts and archives, and award-winning permanent and traveling Civilized Tribes, including Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, “Thirteen Moons: Removal,” Charles Frazier’s (bestselling author the museum makes this great, true story live and breathe. exhibits. All of which will spark the Seminole and Choctaw tribes that attended in 2008. of “Cold Mountain”) novel about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Starting with Cherokee creation legends and proceeding imagination and inspire the soul. Indians, is the first work of literature in the English language to all the way through the and the establish- Cherokee History and Culture Institute for Educators be translated into the Cherokee dialect in 175 years. The book You’ll begin by hearing ancient ment of today’s , you’ll learn how a July 13-18 was translated by Myrtle Driver Johnson, the only living member Cherokee myths in the Story resourceful people made its way through ten millennia of Spend six intensive days learning about Cherokee of the Beloved Women of Cherokee – the highest Lodge, like how the water beetle challenge and change. archaeology, anthropology, history, folklore, honor a Cherokee woman can receive. Dayunisi brought up mud from and geography. Level II Seminar August 3-8. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is definitely a museum An audio book is now available online. Effigy figure under water to form the earth with a difference. In this Museum, the Eastern Band of Immersion Course July 20-31 and how the great buzzard shaped the Great Smoky Cherokee Indians present themselves and their history Speak the basics in two weeks! Taught by Bo Taylor, Mountains with his wings. As you travel chrono- to you from a firsthand point of view. museum archivist, and Cherokee elders. logically, you’ll learn how the ancestors of today’s Other Experiences Offered by the Museum: Hands-On Opportunities The Museum sponsors a wide range Season: Open 7 days/week • Closed Thanksgiving, The Warriors of AniKituhwa Christmas and New Year’s Day of open-to-the-public events, See this dance group, designated Summer Hours: (June–August) 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. programs, and classes (please visit cherokee- Mon.–Sat., 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sun. official Cherokee cultural museum.org or call 828.497.3481 for more Winter Hours: (September–May) 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ambassadors, re-create the thrilling Mon.–Sun. Admission: Adults 14+, $9; Children 6–13, information, schedules, and to arrange your War Dance and Eagle Tail Dance described $6; 5 and under Free. Group Rates Available participation). by Lt. Henry Timberlake in 1762. Location: Intersection of Blvd. and Drama Road Phone: 828.497.3481 | cherokeemuseum.org Shell gorgets For schedule information, visit us at Groups: Cherokee Experience cherokeemuseum.org. In addition to touring the museum, your 800.438.1601 | cherokee-nc.com group can delve more deeply into Cherokee Museum Store Peace pipe, 1762 he Village you’re about to enter is more than a place. and crafts. Audiences • “Hands-On Cherokee” pottery experiential learning classes It is also a time: 1759. The best way to get there is will have a chance to are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., basketry Tto untether yourself from the world you know. participate in council classes are also offered on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m.; Sit under the trees, breathe the pure mountain air. meetings and diplomacy cost is $35 per person and participants must be thirteen years The faint tang of wood smoke wafts by on the decisions. Visitors will thrill of age or older (ticket price includes self-guided tour All Day breeze. Follow it. Embrace it at your own pace. to the sights and sounds of In fact, spirit abounds everywhere in the Village. Pass). Children will enjoy the all new “Pottery for Kids.” traditional Cherokee dancing in In the seven-sided Council House, you gather where the The class is for children age twelve and under and teaches As you step into the Village square grounds. sacred fire burns and the seven clans convene to discuss and basic pinch-pottery techniques. Kids can make their own the Oconaluftee vote on Village matters. On the square grounds, authentic one-of-a-kind piece of Cherokee art to take home. Kids Indian Village, This year for the first time, Cherokee drumming, song, and traditional classes are offered Monday through Saturday at 2 p.m.; you’re transported visitors will be able to dance performances will put you under cost $5. All classes begin for the season on June 1. back to witness the challenges take self-guided tours to explore the their spell. In the botanical gardens, of Cherokee life at a time of authentic working Village with • Children can rent traditional Cherokee attire for your senses will revel in the textures rapid cultural change. The villagers outfitted $15 per day plus deposit, available 7 days a week. and aromas from the herb garden and Village reopens on May 1 to in authentic 1750s Jewelry, pretend weaponry, and other accessories are the 16,000+ native and cultivated host new live reenactments, clothing. Visitors can available to purchase in the gift shop. plants. The word “awesome” “Hands-On Cherokee” arts and interact with villagers as keeps coming to mind. • “Myths and Legends” storytelling will be offered crafts classes, self-guided audio they hull canoes, make Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. Adult tickets tours, villager clothing rentals for children, and evening pottery, weave baskets, 2009 Season Programs $10, children twelve and under $5. Performances storytelling performances. and participate in their daily activities. • Audio cell phone tours and begin June 11. Season passes now available online. All new season presentations at the Village will include Managing Burnout guided tours will also be available. three new reenactments depicting the historical events You’ll see Cherokee patience in action at the next source Guided tours are offered daily on the hour between 10 a.m. between the Cherokee and their neighbors that transpired in of wood smoke. In a clearing, a man creates a huge canoe and 4 p.m., except noon. Guided tours cost $20 per adult, 1759, which ultimately led to the arrival of British delegate by the traditional Cherokee method: burning away the $12 children 6–12, 5 and under free. Henry Timberlake. Village events will include reenactments core of the log. • “Time of War” is a live reenactment that depicts a of Cherokee war council meetings, conflicts with military INDIAN VILLAGE Elsewhere in the Village, another key Cherokee craft – conflict between the Cherokee and encroaching militant INDIAN VILLAGE expeditions, and demonstrations of period arts “knapping” flint arrowheads and blades – can take settlers. Included with the price of admission, the 30-minute Season: May 1–October 24, 2009; minutes, but requires great skill and patience to master. audience interactive mini-drama is performed on Tuesdays, 7 days/wk, Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Performances Admission: Adults 13+, $15; The Cherokee weapon you see demonstrated in the Village, run June 16 through August 29. Children 6–12, $6; 5 and under free the blowgun, is less fearsome. Though no longer used to Group Rates Available hunt game in Cherokee, the annual Cherokee blowgun Location: Drama Road championship is still a spirited contest. Phone: 866.554.4557 | 828.497.2111 Blowgun 800.438.1601 | cherokee-nc.com

INDIAN VILLAGE

INDIAN VILLAGE

INDIAN VILLAGE INDIAN VILLAGE

INDIAN VILLAGE

Oconaluftee INDIAN VILLAGE

Oconaluftee INDIAN VILLAGE c h e r o kVALUE e e - n c . cC o mU / pL a Tc kPACKAGES Ua g2009 e R s A L

$ he moon rises over the Mountainside Cherokee Eternal Flame, located just offstage. 48 Cultural & Event Value Package: Theatre in Cherokee. The murmurs This flame still burns today, proclaiming the Oconaluftee Indian Village, “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Tthroughout the packed house start unquenchable Cherokee spirit to all who see its light. Drama, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Qualla Arts to hush. You can feel an ever so Deer Clan & Crafts Performance and Gallery Tour, event of your America’s foremost outdoor drama, the original “Unto These 60th Makes It Even Better slight chill run up your spine. choice, and hotel discount. Adult – General Admission Hills,” had drawn over five million people since its debut Mountainside Theatre experienced renovations $ But it isn’t from the mountain winds shifting performance on July 1, 1950. and improvements that will make this season 39 Cherokee Chief’s Pass: Oconaluftee Indian Village, their direction in anticipation of the coming dusk, it is from especially memorable. New amenities include VIP “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama, and the Museum of the One of the biggest changes is that the Wolf Clan your anticipation of the coming drama. As the story unfolds, seating, a variety of concessions, and a golf cart Cherokee Indian. Adult – General Admission majority of the cast are of Cherokee your everyday world disappears, and the world of the shuttle service. Make sure to inquire about our $ descent. Not actors and dancers Cherokee Villager’s Pass: Oconaluftee Indian Village Cherokee engulfs you. You are experiencing “Unto These new VIP experience and Chief’s Box Seats 31 by trade, but skilled performers and “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama. Adult – General Admission Hills” – a vital drama telling the Cherokee story. And one for something extra special. who perfect their art through $ of the longest running outdoor dramas in the U.S. Wild Potato Clan Cherokee Storyteller Pass: “Unto These Hills” regular, rigorous training with a The Cherokee Little Theater – 25 Outdoor Drama and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. An Epic Success renowned group out of New York. July 1-August 1 Adult – General Admission While this outdoor drama in Cherokee is marking its 60th The play centers on the arrival of The myths and legends of the Cherokee are much $ season, today’s “Unto These Hills” is guided by a new vision, Europeans and the forced exile of more than a children’s fairy tale. Be immersed in Cherokee Scout’s Pass: Oconaluftee Indian Village Blue Clan 22 a new format, and new “actors,” who aren’t actors by trade the Cherokees to on the the stories and legends of the Cherokee passed and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Adult – General Admission but actual descendants. All of which is aimed at conveying infamous Trail of Tears in 1838–1839. down from generation to generation. The Cherokee a more culturally authentic, historically accurate, Little Theater gives new life to the legends of old Our Eternal Flame and Cherokee-centered and children of all ages can truly enjoy being When the Cherokees were driven west on the Trail of Tears, Bird Clan OUTDOOR DRAMA experience. Such sweeping immersed in traditional stories and dance of the the caretaker of the Sacred Fire, an eternal flame, went with change transforms this Cherokee. From the story of creation to why the Season: June 5 through August 29, 2009 his people into exile. This flame was then maintained drama – from history- opossum’s tail is bare to the traditional ant dance Hours: Preshow entertainment 7:00 p.m., in Oklahoma for succeeding generations. book tales of what the Cherokee Little Theater is an experience like Performance begins 7:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat. OUTDOOR DRAMA Paint Clan Admission: Reserved Seating: Adults 13+, $22; happened to the no other. Show starts July 1, 2009-August 1, 2009. In 1951, the Cherokee Historical Association sent an expedition Children 6–12, $10; General Admission Seating: Cherokee, as told of tribal leaders from the Eastern Band to retrace the Trail of Tears. Monday through Saturday at 10:00 am. $6.00 Adults 13+, $18; Children 6–12, $8; Family pack: 2 free by outsiders, per person or $12.00 per person including children’s tickets with every 1 adult purchase at the In Oklahoma, these leaders lit a charcoal-filled bucket with Terrace Level; 5 and under free • Group Rates Available to vivid a box lunch at the Theater. live coals from the Sacred Fire and brought it all the way back Location: Mountainside Theatre, Drama Road insights into Advanced tickets available by phone, Internet, to Cherokee. what it means and at main box office (intersection of Tsali Boulevard and Drama Road) Mon.–Sat. 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or at to be Cherokee. On the 1951 opening night of “Unto These Hills,” a torch Long Hair Clan Mountainside Theatre 4:00 p.m. until show time lit from these coals transferred the Sacred Fire to light a new • Phone: 866.554.4557, 828.497.2111

800.438.1601 | cherokee-nc.com hen you spend time in Cherokee and immerse yourself Since 1946, Qualla has truly realized this vision. in a world so distinct from your You can see it throughout Qualla’s beautifully W own, you’ll want to bring back more redesigned artists’ gallery store, as you feel the Season: Open 7 days/wk than memories and pictures. warmth and brilliance of the basketry, pottery, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day weaving, carving, beadwork, sculpture, toys, musical Summer Hours: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Mon.–Sat., Bring home authentic instruments, and other works of art that surround 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sun. Cherokee Winter Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Mon.–Sun. you. These pieces look and feel different than mall handcrafts. Location: 645 Tsali Boulevard Artist: and big-box merchandise because they are different. Phone: 828.497.3103 As stunning additions to John Grant quallaartsandcrafts.com Here, every craftwork you see is handmade by Artist: Bud Smith your home and one-of-a-kind nameable, knowledgeable individuals who blend timeless 800.438.1601 | cherokee-nc.com gifts, these works capture the traditions with individual expression. No two things spirit of the Cherokee people practitioners – and preservers – into your visit, there is little doubt the spirit of their work Artist: Bernadine George are alike, yet all form a harmonious whole. and land. What’s more, the craftworks of Cherokee culture on the planet. will speak to your own. that await you in Cherokee now are the equal of any in history. Rub Shoulders with the Masters They are potters, painters, Qualla Arts & Crafts also holds two yearly They are not only authentic; they are authentically good. The member artists of Qualla have learned master wood carvers, Open-Air Indian Art Markets (Sept. from their families and community, calling basketweavers, and jewelry Preserving a Treasure 5 and Oct. 17, 2009) where you on materials and traditions passed down artisans. Many of their works grace For this, great thanks go to Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, can witness Cherokee artisans for many generations. You’ll be treated to Artist: Ramona Lossie Inc., the nation’s oldest and foremost Native American museums across the country, including en practicing centuries-old art e an amazing palette of artistry, including international, u the Smithsonian and abroad. Some are willing to travel, Q l cooperative. With the establishment of neighboring Great e techniques. Then take a piece o national, and locally acclaimed works representing a variety J : and often do, to share their knowledge and artistry with t is Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 and the postwar t of this fine art with you to grace your r of practices – many that go back eleven thousand years. A growth of highways and family travel, the outside world audiences outside the reservation. The arts represented include pottery, home. Why not? Many of the pieces came to Cherokee as never before. At this point, basket weaving, beadworking, silver- You’re invited to rub shoulders with them daily throughout produced by Qualla artists grace modern distractions and mass- smithing, stone carving, wood carving, the year. Maybe you’d even like to schedule a custom museums worldwide! produced goods might have experience for your group. However you decide to weave their and visual arts. If you miss Qualla Arts and swept away tribal traditions. long-standing practices and new interpretations of ancient arts Instead, visionary Cherokee These master crafters make up a unique Crafts Mutual, Inc., on your

ueen next visit, we’re online now craftspeople and leaders saw collection of elder artisans as well as oel Q t: J rtis that Cherokee crafts – if contemporary masters following in the A at quallaartsandcrafts.com. preserved and promoted – footsteps of the past. Without question, Have your favorite collectible could strengthen tribal they are among the very best delivered right to your door. values and provide livelihoods while offering unique beauty to the wider world. Indigenous. Inimitable. Irresistible. 2009 Cherokee Special Events O R Our special brand of fireworks happen Celebration, ceremony, and plain old fun are integral parts of the N Welcome Center as a three-day explosion of authentic Indian Q A) “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama Cherokee culture. Hospitality is, too. Which means that the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY B) Oconaluftee Indian Village drumming and dancing. C) Nature Trails and Garden Special Events in Cherokee aren’t truly complete until you’re here to share P D) Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. E) Museum of the Cherokee Indian them. And you have a wealth of choices throughout the year. 5th Annual Festival of Native Peoples F) Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds & Cherokee Indian Art Market US 441N G) Veterans Memorial Cruise the Smokies - H) Main Theatre Box Office July 17–18 Cherokee Indian I) Oconaluftee Islands Park Cherokee Rod Runs J) Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel Fair Grounds - This year our annual K) Cherokee Tribal Bingo May 15–17 & Oct. 30–Nov. 1 L) John Crowe Complex gathering of tribes from throughout the 1 M) Library / Ginger Welch Complex Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds N) Mingus Mill Americas expands into a showcase of native BIG COVE RD. O) Smokemont Riding Stables There’s no better combination than the P) Mtn. Farm Museum & Visitors Center dance, art, and culture. The Festival of Native scenery and roads of the world’s oldest 2 Q) Mingo Falls Peoples is an exposition of non-competitive R) Tribal Trout Hatchery mountains and the sight and sound of vintage, A dance, storytelling, and song performances B 4 Recycling drop off pre-1972 vehicles. Come and let these vintage expressing the collected history, culture, tradition, C 3 The idea for the Bears Project started wheels take you on a ride you will never forget. 15 in 2005 as Cherokee wanted to show- and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. M case the variety of talented artists Tailgate Jamboree And here in one place is the chance to admire and bring home within the Qualla Boundary. DRAMA RD. Twenty-five bears were created and the authentic masterworks of many cultures. given to selected artists to create May 22–23 Cherokee Indian D US 441N 5 their addition to the expansion of Fair Grounds – “Extreme Off-Road downtown Cherokee. Follow the map, Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration H and find all of the bears for yourself. HOSPITAL RD. 6 E 7 Exhibition” Mud trucks, monster J Please remember not to feed or climb September 18–19 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds 8 F 12 on the bears. 10 I trucks, ATVs, hot rods, low riders, 9 G ACQUONI RD. K This 4th annual event brings together artists and craftsmen NC 19N BEAR TRACKING and Grave Digger - like you’ve never seen representing the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Seminole, 11 1) Harmony of Life SOCO RD. 2) Bear on the Little Tennessee before! Come grab yourself a big day of fun! and Choctaw tribes to present traditional tribal dance, story- BUS. 441S 3) Forefathers RIVER RD. 13 4) Children’s Mixed Bear telling performances, craft demonstrations, primitive skills 5) Cherokee Sunset 14 US 441 Gospel Jubilee Weekend BYPASS US 441N 6) Syllabeary encampment, contests, games, and traditional foods. 7) Eagle Dance Bear June 12–14 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds 8) Pottery Bear At this special sort of “extended family reunion,” Local and international Christian groups will converge L 9) Fair Bear the spirit of friendship runs deeply indeed. OLD US 10) Legendary Sunrise to share the “Good News” through 441S OLD #4 11) Patriot Bear 12) Fish Bear song at this first Cherokee 97th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair 13) Trail of Tears & Seven Clans 14) Out of Hiber-Nation Gospel Jubilee. Mark it down – three NC 19S October 6–10 Cherokee Indian 15) Winter Bear fun days of Christian contemporary Fair Grounds - This nearly century- music sure to please the young and young CHEROKEE old October celebration includes artwork, crafts, agricultural items, at heart. Hear the Crabb Family Revival, Jars of Clay, and other and traditional food items made by Cherokee artisans. Vendors Ramp It Up – March 28 Great Smoky Mountains National 27th Annual Cherokee Bluegrass Festival – August 20-22 Southern Gospel greats, including local groups. The Sunday service Park 75th Anniversary Event – June 15 from throughout the region participate in craft sales, and top KOA Fishing Tournament – March 28 Rededication of the Great Smoky Mountains will feature U.S. Congressman Heath Shuler as the guest inspirational Summerfest Carnival – June 16-20 National Park – September 2 entertainment complements the visual feast. Red Clay Reunion – April 16-18 speaker and more gospel music favorites. Crafts, vendors, food awaits – 35th Annual NC State Bluegrass Qualla Open-Air Indian Art Market – September 5 Survivors Motorcycle Rally – April 24-26 Festival – June 18-20 come enjoy it all! And leave with a song in your heart. Cherokee Survivors Motorcycle ATHS Big Rigs Show Week of the Young Child – May 4-7 2nd Annual Housing Fair – June 26-27 Rally – September 11-13 October 16–18 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds Cherokee Visitor Appreciation Day – May 7 The Cherokee Little Theater – Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts July Powwow July 1-August 1 Celebration – September 18-19 Cherokee Day of Caring – May 11-14 Enjoy gorgeously restored and customized old and antique July Powwow – July 3-5 Cherokee Indian Fair – October 6-10 July 3–5 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds Spring Cherokee Rod Run – May 15-17 trucks. You’ll see everything from classic pickups to July 4 Fireworks – July 4 ATHS Big Rigs Show – October 16-18 Your blood stirs to the native drums and chants, the masterful Tailgate Jamboree – May 22-23 complete big rigs, with buffed paint, pinstripes, Festival of Native Peoples & Cherokee Qualla Open-Air Indian Art Market – October 17 movements of champion Indian dancers in competition and exhibition, Gourd Festival – June 5-7 Art Market – July 17-18 and chrome by the acre. Truckloads of good food Cherokee Fall Rod Run – October 30-November 1 and the sinuous flash of blazing regalia. Cherokee Gospel Jubilee – June 12-14 Talking Trees Childrens Trout Derby – August 1 Cherokee Christmas Parade – December 12 and music round out the fun! Cherokee Voices Festival – June 13 Volkswagen Show – August 14-16 New Year’s Eve Fireworks – December 31