2011 Pow Wow at Red Clay State Park Slated for October 21-23
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 | 07:07am
Third Annual Event to Feature Native American Traditions
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Red Clay State Park will host its Third Annual Pow Wow October 21-23, featuring traditional Native American dance, food and arts. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. each day. The festival is open to the public.
Sponsored by the Friends of Red Clay and the Native American Services of Tennessee, the event will include traditional dancers, storytelling, living history demonstrations and more. In addition to musicians and dancers, the festival will feature craftspeople selling their wares and handicrafts at various vendor booths, along with a number of games and activities for the whole family.
While admission to the event is free, there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle or motorcycle on Saturday and Sunday. Friday, October 21, will be a School Day, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and designed for all students, teachers and school faculty members. Reservations for schools are recommended. There is a $2 activity fee per child on Friday, with adult admission free. For information or assistance regarding fees, please call Red Clay’s park office at (423) 478-0339.
“Red Clay’s 2011 Pow Wow is a great opportunity to educate families and students about Native American history and the key role it played in shaping Tennessee,” said Carol Crabtree, park manager. “The festival is a way to preserve this heritage for future generations, and we have a talented list of artists and performers on hand for this year’s event.”
Live performances will be held throughout the three-day event, with Jeff Whaley serving as the master of ceremonies and Jimmy Reedy as the arena director. Special performances this year include the Tlaltlacayolotl Aztec fire dancers and the Poarch Band Creek Stomp Dancers. Grand entry performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m. All warriors will serve as Honor Guard, and there will be a daily Host Drum, Head Man and Head Lady.
Native American arts and crafts will be demonstrated and sold both days. Traditional and festival foods also will be available, along with some old favorites. Park visitors should bring a blanket or chairs, along with sunscreen and protective shades. Cash is accepted for purchases, with some booths accepting personal checks. For more information and specific event times and activities at Red Clay’s 2011 Pow Wow, please call the park office.
Red Clay State Historic Park is located in the extreme southwest corner of Bradley County, just above the Tennessee-Georgia state line, and is the site of 11 of the last 12 Cherokee Council meetings before the infamous Trail of Tears. The park encompasses 263 acres of narrow valley and forested ridges and features picnic facilities, a loop trail and amphitheater. The park also contains a natural landmark, the Blue Hole Spring, which arises from beneath a limestone ledge to form a deep pool that flows into Mill Creek. The Cherokee used the Blue Hole Spring as their water supply during council meetings. For more information about the park, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/RedClay/.
Tennessee's 53 state parks offer a diverse natural, recreational and cultural experience for individuals, families or business and professional groups. Tennessee State Parks also offer a variety of outdoor fun including hiking trails, water sports, mountain biking, golf and skeet shooting. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free 1-888-867-2757 or visit the Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.
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