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Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will host the 3rd Annual Cherokee Heritage Day on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sycamore Shoals is forever linked with the rich traditions and influence of the Native Cherokee. Join us for a day devoted to sharing Cherokee history and culture through traditional arts and historical presentations. In addition to the scheduled programs there will be demonstrations of traditional skills such as basketmaking, finger weaving, beadwork, woodcarving, and much more.

Inside the park Visitor Center will be demonstrations of contemporary Cherokee crafts. Sharon McCoy will demonstrate beadwork, Ray McCoy will be doing woodcarving, and Toni Tahquette will be demonstrating finger weaving.

Outside the Visitor Center, we are hosting a variety of Cherokee craftspeople demonstrating traditional arts. Make sure to visit inside the fort to see Ramona Lossie as she creates beautiful baskets. Jimmy Harlan will be making and demonstrating the use of the blowgun. Outside the fort and under the trees will be Ernest Grant demonstrating wampum jewelry and bandolier bag making, while Nancy Pheasant is carving shells. Francilia Littlejohn will be making moccasins, and Allen Fugate will be doing silversmithing.

Also, located outside the fort, you can visit a circa 1828 Cherokee campsite featuring a wedge tent for sleeping and a lean-to kitchen area complete with period travel kitchen with wrought iron fire utensils and dining items. Visitors can experience campfire cooking and learn more about this significant period in Cherokee history.

Admission prices are Adults $8, ages 7 to 17 years $3, free for ages 6 and under. Tickets will be sold on site the day of the event. Concessions will be available for purchase. All proceeds from admissions go to the Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park to support this event. The 3rd Annual Cherokee Heritage Day is presented by Indian Creek Productions, Inc. and sponsored by the Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

Event Schedule
All programs will be held in the presentation circle next to Fort Watauga unless otherwise noted.
10 a.m. – Cherokee Presence at Sycamore Shoals – Kathi Littlejohn (Visitor Center Gathering Place)
11 a.m. – Cherokee Flute – Jarrett Grey Wildcatt
11:30 a.m. – Cherokee Storytelling – Nancy Pheasant
12 p.m. – Cherokee Language Lesson – Tsalagi Wiganvnv (Cherokee Street) Amber Allen and Aaliyah Swimmer
12:30 p.m. – Traditional Cherokee Dance Demonstrations – Tsalagi Dancers
1 p.m. – Cherokee Culture Lecture – Shennelle Feather
1:30 p.m. – “Are You Smarter than a Park Ranger?” – Mark and Sherry Finchum
2 p.m. – Cherokee Flute – Jarrett Grey Wildcatt
2:30 p.m. – Cherokee Storytelling – Nancy Pheasant
3 p.m. – Cherokee Language Lesson – Tsalagi Wiganvnv (Cherokee Street) Amber Allen and Aaliyah Swimmer
3:30 p.m. – Traditional Cherokee Dance Demonstrations – Tsalagi Dancers
4:15 p.m. – Cherokee Leaders and Their Impact on Sycamore Shoals – Kathi Littlejohn (Visitor Center Gathering Place)

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton.
For more information about this and other exciting events at Sycamore Shoals please call 423-543-5808 or visit the following websites.
sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com
tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals
facebook.com/sycamoreshoals
friendsofsycamoreshoals.org