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Cherokee return to Red Clay area for cultural festival

Traditional Cherokee dancing is demonstrated at last year's festival.
Traditional Cherokee dancing is demonstrated at last year's festival.

By Susan Pierce 2 min read

photo Tommy Wildcat is coming from Oklahoma to play flute at the festival in Red Clay State Park.

If you go

› What: Cherokee Heritage Festival.› When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 6-7.› Where: Red Clay State Park, 1140 Red Clay Park, Cleveland, Tenn.› Admission: Free; $5 parking donation.› Phone: 423-478-0339.

An authentic Cherokee cultural festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, at Red Clay State Park in Cleveland, Tenn.

“It is put on by the three nations of the Cherokee – Eastern Band, Cherokee Nation and United Keetoowah Band – and is the only one like it in the state” says Erin Medley, Red Clay State Park manager.

The 263-acres of Red Clay Park are respected as the last seat of the Cherokee national government before the 1838 enforcement of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Eleven general councils were held there between 1832 and 1837, according to the park’s website.

This festival is a chance for families to experience a realistic picture of what life was like for the Cherokee, not the stereotyped Hollywood version.