A Celebration of Culture & Community at the 104th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair, Oct 4–8
9.23.2016
Tradition, games, food, and the laughter of joyful children mark the 104th annual Cherokee Indian Fair that takes place Tuesday, October 4, through Saturday, October 8. Welcoming the fall harvest, this family-friendly experience celebrates agriculture and community with roots dating back more than a century.
The Fair begins with a much anticipated parade at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as 1 p.m. for a spot to watch the procession. (Parade participants begin lining up at 9 a.m.) Bring a lawn chair and a bag to collect pieces of candy that will be tossed from the floats. This year’s theme is Living Cherokee Strong and the grand marshal float will represent this theme for the community.
Something for Every Taste
Check out the traditional stickball games, crafts, food vendors, rides, games, and prizes. There’s also live entertainment: On Friday and Saturday evenings, enjoy the musical offerings of the Osceola Boys Band and The Kentucky Head Hunters, respectively. Both groups will perform on the amphitheatre stage.
Themed Days
Each day is assigned a special category that guides programming:
Tuesday: Parade Day
Wednesday: Children’s Day
Thursday: Elder’s Day
Friday: Veteran’s Day
Saturday: Community Day
For more information, check out the events page.
For attendees of all ages, each day is packed with engaging performances and opportunities to celebrate. On Elder’s Day, traditional Cherokee meals will be available. Foods include chicken, bean bread, cabbage, and greens. Fry bread is a community staple and can be served in several ways. For a savory dish, top it with chili and cheese. For dessert, think sweet! Food prices range from $8–10.
On the Veteran’s Day, a special presentation will take place with Quilts of Valor, one-of-a-kind, handmade quilts awarded to war veterans to honor their sacrifices. The quilts presented at the fair were created by the Smoky Mountain Quilters and National Quilting Organization, among others.
Ticket Info
Admission to the public is $10 per adult and youth, and free for children ages 5 and younger. All federally recognized tribes can get in for free with proof of membership or enrollment. Tickets (cash only) can be purchased at the gate on the Cherokee Fairgrounds, 545 Tsali Blvd in Cherokee, NC.
Gates open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Please note that the gates open at 11 a.m. on Friday. Gates close at 10 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and 11 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. A grand finale fireworks display begins at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, marking the end of another exciting Fair.
