Archived Arts & Entertainment

Cherokee Indian Fair celebrates 99th year

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians hosts the 99th annual Cherokee Indian Fair Oct. 4 through 8 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee.

The fair offers nightly entertainment, fireworks, a carnival midway full of rides and games, craft vendors, food vendors — including some featuring traditional Cherokee food — and an exhibit hall displaying the Eastern Band’s traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Visitors will also have a chance to see family-friendly competitions such as Cherokee Idol, blowgun, longbow and compound bow archery contests and wood chopping.

This year’s concert line-up packs a blues, beach, country, rap, bluegrass, funk and rock punch with the ever-popular Charlie Daniels Band headlining Saturday night. Atlanta favorite Mother’s Finest will feature on Friday night.

A parade on Oct. 4 kicks off the annual five-day fete, and the festivities include the Cherokee Idol Elimination Round. Oct. 5 is Children’s Day and features fun games and activities for the little ones. On Oct. 6, the Elders are honored, and Oct. 7 is dedicated to veterans and concludes with the highly anticipated Cherokee Idol competition. Community Day on Oct. 8 features traditional Cherokee competition and games.

The fair opens at 10 a.m. each day and daily general admission is $10, which includes nightly concerts. Children 6 and younger are admitted free.

www.cherokee-nc.com.

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