Cherokee Gourd Festival

The Cherokee Gourd Festival, a three-day gathering of master gourd crafters, eager novices and everyone in between, will take place from June 5 to June 7 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. The festival features highly affordable classes, demonstrations, displays, vendors and plenty of top-quality gourds to choose from.

For more information contact Darlene Whitetree at 828.497.9131 ext. 238.

Spring Artist Festival

The Old Mill 1886 in Cherokee will host a Spring Artist Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6.

Artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their handcrafted works. Artists will include Cherokee stone and wood carvers, Appalachian crafters, blacksmith, chain saw bear artist, birdhouse carpenter, jewelry designers and more. The festival will also feature barbecue from the Rib House, homemade fried pies and Flossie’s funnel cakes.

The Old Mill is a country store chock full with fresh ground cornmeal, preserves, country ham, stone ground grits, chow chow, local honey and cider. The 1930’s room is stocked with handcrafted items from over 70 Cherokee artists, antiques, jewelry, candles and china.

The Old Mill 1886 is located one mile south of Cherokee on U.S. 441. For more information call 828.497.6536.

Cherokee Strawberry Festival

The Cherokee Strawberry Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.

The festival will feature Strawberry legend story-telling by Lloyd Arneach, Sr. plus children’s activities, community clubs talent show, dancing & singing, adult and youth categories displaying strawberry products, baked goods, jams, preserves, drawing for Lakota Star Quilt.

Admission is free. Some vendor space may still be available. To reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe at 828.736.5285.