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Cleveland, TN
Cherokee Days of Recognition
Red Clay State Park
Cleveland, TN
First Full Weekend in August
423-478-0339
Admission Fee/EST
For years, this event has celebrated Cherokee customs and culture with music, dance, games, food, crafts and more. Cherokee and other Native American music is featured, including haunting solo flute, and exceptionally moving Southern and Northern Drum. There are contests for Fancy Dancers and Traditional Dancers, as well as tributes to prisoners of war, soldiers missing in action, and all veterans.
Booksellers offer hard-to-find copies of reference books on the Cherokee. Artisan booths include certified Indian arts and crafts, and materials for crafts and spiritual ceremonies, such as vermilion, laces, and feathers. Cherokee genealogy resources are also available. Many people come for several days and camp on the grounds.
The festival is held at the Red Clay State Park, just at the Georgia state line border with Bradley. This historic cultural park features original log buildings of the Cherokee Nation, a modern interpretive center and a Longhouse, community meeting center. It was the last Eastern council grounds for the Cherokee Nation prior to the forced move west on the 'Trail Where They Cried'.
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