For Erica Vandegriff, bringing her two small children to the second annual Pow Wow is a great way to give them a first look at different cultures.
"I want to expose my children to people's differences at a young age," said Ooltewah resident Vandegriff, whose children are 1 and 4. "This is a rare experience to glimpse into a culture that isn't really here anymore."
IF YOU GOSecond Annual Pow Wow* Where: Red Clay State Park, Cleveland, Tenn.* When: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday* Admission: Free, parking is $5.* Information: www.tnstateparks.com/RedClay.
The cultures of American Indians from across the country will be on display this weekend at the second annual Pow Wow, held at Red Clay State Park in Bradley County, Tenn.
Pow Wow committee coordinator Tammera Hicks agreed that the event offers a chance to learn about the different tribes.
"All the tribes have their similarities, but they also have their distinct differences as well, and this is a great way to experience them," she said. "This weekend will be a good time to get out and meet people from different cultures."
The Pow Wow features food and craft vendors as well as dancers and American Indian artists.
On Friday, students got a chance to attend the Pow Wow before it officially opens to the public today.
Kim Hill, of McDonald, Tenn., homeschools her 3- and 6-year-old children and said the Pow Wow brings everything to life that they're reading about.
The Pow Wow gives her children an opportunity to get a diverse outlook on life while educating them about the history of the area, she said.
Don Barry, of Sugar Valley, Ga., will be demonstrating tanning and skinning techniques used by the American Indians. This weekend, he will be showing anyone who cares to watch how to "dry scrape" a deer hide to make leather.
He said he began tanning in the 1970s after his brother gave him a deer hide. He learned much of his trade by visiting the Cherokee elders in Cherokee, N.C., he said.
Pow Wow master of ceremonies Jeff Whaley said many people have misconceptions of American Indians because of Hollywood films and TV shows.
"What you see on television isn't necessarily true," Whaley said.