98th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair

For nearly 100 years, residents of and visitors to Western North Carolina know there's only one place to be in the first full week of October. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians host the 98th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. Oct. 5-9, 2010. The fair offers topnotch nightly musical entertainment, fireworks, a carnival midway full of rides and games, craft vendors, food vendors including some featuring traditional Cherokee food, and an exhibit hall displaying the Eastern Band enrolled members traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Visitors will also have a chance to see a comedy show, gospel music, and a host of family-friendly competitions such as blowgun, longbow and compound bow archery contests and wood chopping.



The fair began as a way for members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to showcase their arts and crafts and invite neighboring communities to the Qualla Boundary, the tribe's traditional homeland. The fair has grown since its early days, but its original focus remains - showcasing Cherokee's remarkable culture and heritage. This is a hugely popular event among Eastern Band members and a great opportunity for visitors to experience the fun, welcoming qualities of the Cherokee culture.


Daily general admission is $10 and includes nightly concerts; children 6 and under are admitted free. Opens 10 a.m. daily with nightly shows. The Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds are on Hwy. 441 in Cherokee, N.C. Check back for the 2010 Schedule.