April 17 at Sandy Creek ParkJoin the Native American Cultural Society in beginning a Native American tradition in Athens. The Footsteps of the Past Indian Festival will honor tribal traditions and teachings. Don't miss this of fun-filled day of rich cultural education and entertainment for the everyone.
*Exhibition dancers in authentic regalia. Dances of friendship, inter-tribals, and specialities featuring men's traditional dancers John "Bullet" Standingdeer and Driver Pheasant (Eastern Band of the Cherokee).
*Drumming and singing by The Plainsmen, Josh Squirrel, and singers from Cherokee, N.C.
*Flute performance by John Winterhawk Johnson (Lower Muscogee Creek).
*Poetry by Ron Colombe (Lakota Sioux). Educational speakers including Dr. Ervan Garrison (Choctaw of Oklahoma) and several storytellers.
*Primitive skills demonstrations ranging from tanning to fling knapping, fire-by-friction, beadwork, ancient weapons, stone age cookery and wild edible foods.
*Native American stick ball demonstrations by the University of Georgia Flying Rat Toli Team (Choctaw-style).
*Native artisans and traders offering traditional crafts, fine visual arts, beaded and silver jewelry, books, flutes, dolls, herbal products, gourd crafts, and food.
The festival begins Saturday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. Come early and stay late or drop in for just a few hours.
>From Athens Perimeter Loop 10, take U.S. Hwy. 441 North (Commerce Highway) for 2.8 miles and follow the signs toward Sandy Creek Park, turn right on Bob Holman Road.
Admission is $3.00 and covers park gate fee (children under 3 and seniors 65 and older free). Call 706-543-8425 for more information.