Get set for James White's Fort annual Cherokee festival. On Saturday June 23rd the Fort and Indian Creek Productions, Inc. are inviting young and old to come and relive a day in the life of the Cherokee.

Featured at this year's event will be a re-enactment of the signing of the "Treaty of the Holston" between the Cherokee Nation and Governor William Blount, representative for the United States Government. Come and listen to the discussions and debate of July, 1791 by costumed interpretator's that led up to signing of this treaty and learn how this event shaped the beginning of Knoxville. Prior to the Treaty Signing will be a commissioning ceremony with a twenty-one gun salute.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS10:15 amCherokee Storytelling (Freeman Owle)10:45 amArchery and Blowgun Demonstration and Competition (Bear Brooks)11:15 am"Are You Smarter Than A..." Game Show (Mark and Sherry Finchum)NoonTraditional Cherokee Dancing12:30 pmThe Prelude to the Treaty of the Holston (Robert RedHawk)1:15 pmTreaty of the Holston Signing Ceremony1:45 pmThe Aftermath of the Treaty of the Holston (Robert RedHawk)2:15 pmTraditional Cherokee Dancing2:45 pmCherokee Storytelling (Freeman Owle)3:15 pmQ & A (Various Participants)4 pmGates CloseThe above schedule is tentative and subject to change in advance as well
as on the day of the event. In addition to the events listed above, guests
will have the opportunity to tour the various buildings of the fort, and observe blacksmithing and open hearth cooking demonstrations.
One of the highlights of Cherokee Heritage Day is always the dance demonstration. Several members of the Eastern band of Cherokee Indians will participate in some of the dances traditional to the Cherokee people.

The hours for Saturday are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase along with a variety of American Indian crafts. Admission to this year's event is free, but Donations are accepted at the entrance gate.

Funding for Cherokee Heritage Day is provided in part by grants from: Akima Club, City People, Clayton Bank, David Dewhirst and the Arts & Heritage Fund.

James White's Fort is located at the intersection of Hill Avenue and Hall of Fame Drive in downtown Knoxville. For more information or reservations call 865-525-6514.

More info available at jameswhitesfort.org or e-mail [email protected].