Events

Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com

BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS

Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove). Good food, good fun, great prizes, great benefits.

  • March 16 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for Big Cove Free Labor
  • March 23 at 10:30 a.m., Jesse Welch Junior, 10 round shoot

NAIWA Fundraiser. March 22 at 11 a.m. at the Yellowhill Community Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Indian Dinners $12/each. Info: Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285

EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS 

Easter Basket Giveaway. March 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the PHHS Administration Building at 43 John Crowe Hill in Cherokee, N.C. There will be 200 baskets given away – first-come, first-served.

MANNA Foodbank Community Market. March 21 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kool-Aid Queen Wolftown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Stop by for free grocery staples, produce, and other perishables from MANNA Foodbank. Please bring your own bags if you can. This event is free and open to all community members. Info: (828) 359-6934 or tammjack@ebci-nsn.gov

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the RezHOPE Men’s Transitional Living Home – The Gadugi House. March 11 at 11 a.m. at the house on 128 Goose Creek Baptist Church Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 788-5326 or email RezHOPE_Recovery@icloud.com

Community Easter Event. March 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the old Cherokee High School site. Egg Hunt age groups – 0-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-13. Food and door prizes. Early wristband pick-up will be Monday, March 18 through Friday, March 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cherokee Welcome Center. Child does not need to be present to pick up a wristband. This event is sponsored by the Office of the Principal Chief, Office of the Vice Chief, Tribal Council, and EBCI Tribal Option.

Dinner Event for First Language Speakers and Second Language Learners for Indigenous Languages Month. March 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cherokee Central Schools Central Office at 86 Elk Crossing Lane in Cherokee, N.C. This is evening dedicate to speaking Indigenous languages.

Rainbows & Ramps Festival. March 30 at the Donald “Kool-Aid” Queen Wolftown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6471

Alfred Welch’s Birthday Dinner. April 6 at 2 p.m. at the Snowbird Youth Center at 1133 Massey Branch in Robbinsville, N.C. It is a potluck dinner, and everyone is welcome.

8th Annual Spring Garden Fair. April 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring seeds, plants, yard art, education, and a Re-Purpose It contest for youth ages 5-17. Vendor tables available for $20 for two days or a door prize donation. Vendors tables are free for informational, educational, and activities for children. EBCI/NC Cooperative Extension Garden Kits will be given out at this event on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. NAIWA will be serving breakfast and lunch. For more information, or to reserve a table, call Lucille (828) 736-5285 or Tammy Jackson 788-0878

Waterfalls Baptist Church Tent Revival. April 21-26 at 6 p.m. each night at the Church. Brother John Flute, from Oklahoma, will be preaching. Chairs will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own lawn chair as well. Info: Pastor Scotty Chekelelee (828) 735-2713

Cherokee Spring Rod Run. April 26-27 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Convention Center. Info: (828) 226-6853

Fire Mountain Inferno. May 3 and 5 at the Fire Mountain Trail in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6702

Cherokee Customer Appreciation Day. May 25 at the Cherokee Welcome Center in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490

Eastern Band of Cherokee Annual Pow Wow. July 5-7 at 1441 Acquoni Road (old Cherokee High School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490

4th of July Fireworks. July 6 at 1441 Acquoni Road (old Cherokee High School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490

Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby. Aug. 3-4 at the Oconaluftee Island Park in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6471

Cherokee Indian Fair. Oct. 1-5 at 1441 Acquoni Road (old Cherokee High School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 788-1708

Cherokee Fall Rod Run. Oct. 11-12 at 1441 Acquoni Road (old Cherokee High School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 226-6853

Scareokee. Oct. 31 at 181 Tsali Blvd. (old Cherokee Elementary School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490

Cherokee Christmas Parade. Dec. 14 in downtown Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490

 

 

HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS

Operation Medicine Drop. March 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Food Lion Cherokee in Cherokee, N.C. Drop off any unused or expired medications to be properly disposed of. Giveaways and education will be provided.

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Testing Event. March 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the bonfire area at the Oconaluftee Island Park in Cherokee, N.C. Free testing for HIV, syphilis, and Hep-C; door prizes, and health information. This event is being hosted by Tsalagi Public Health.

Roller Derby in Bryson City. March 24 at the Swain Co. Recreation Center at 240 Deep Creek Rd. in Bryson City, N.C. Junior scrimmage at 1:30 p.m., Adult bout at 3 p.m. The Smoky Mountain Roller Girls will take on Yellow Jacket Roller Derby. Tickets are $5 pre-sale or $8 at the door. Kids 11 and under are free. Bring your own chair. Follow SMRG on Facebook for tickets and more information.

NAYO Basketball Tournament. March 28-30 in Cherokee, N.C. Team entry fee is $150 and is due by Friday, March 1. Rosters are due by Friday, March 22. Boys and Girls divisions (14U ages 12-14, 18U ages 15-18). Info: Shannon Bark (828) 736-9538, 359-3345, shanbark@ebci-nsn.gov, or Kelsey Jackson 788-4732, 359-6894, kelsjackson@ebci.nsn.gov 

Trout Fishing Opening Day Tournament. March 30-31 in the general fishing waters of the Qualla Boundary. $20,000 in cash prizes. Registration deadline is Friday, March 29. Registration fee is $15. Paid fish permit fee covering both tournament days is $17. Fishing hours are one hour prior to sunrise until one hour after sunset. Tag turn-in time is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each respective tournament day. Turn in your tags at 517 Sequoyah Trail in Cherokee, N.C. (across from the Cherokee Welcome Center. Info: https://fishcherokee.com

Community Baby Shower. April 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrell Recreation Center. Food, diapers, gift cards, raffles, and more. First 50 people get a t-shirt. Info: Trish Carver at triccarv@ebci-nsn.gov or Candy Martin at candmart@ebci-nsn.gov

Memorial Day Fishing Tournament. May 25-26 in the general fishing waters of the Qualla Boundary. $10,000 in cash prizes. Registration deadline is Friday, May 24.Registration fee is $15. Paid fish permit fee covering both tournament days is $17. Fishing hours are one hour prior to sunrise until one hour after sunset. Tag turn-in time is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each respective tournament day. Turn in your tags at 517 Sequoyah Trail in Cherokee, N.C. (across from the Cherokee Welcome Center. Info: https://fishcherokee.com

Tim Hill Memorial Fishing Tournament. July 13-14 in the general fishing waters of the Qualla Boundary. $10,000 in cash prizes. Registration deadline is Friday, July 12.Registration fee is $15. Paid fish permit fee covering both tournament days is $17. Fishing hours are one hour prior to sunrise until one hour after sunset. Tag turn-in time is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each respective tournament day. Turn in your tags at 517 Sequoyah Trail in Cherokee, N.C. (across from the Cherokee Welcome Center. Info: https://fishcherokee.com

Qualla Country Fishing Tournament. Aug. 24-25 in the general fishing waters of the Qualla Boundary. $20,000 in cash prizes. Registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 23. Registration fee is $15. Paid fish permit fee covering both tournament days is $17. Fishing hours are one hour prior to sunrise until one hour after sunset. Tag turn-in time is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each respective tournament day. Turn in your tags at 517 Sequoyah Trail in Cherokee, N.C. (across from the Cherokee Welcome Center. Info: https://fishcherokee.com

7 Clans Rodeo. Aug. 31-Sept. 1 at 181 Tsali Blvd. (old Cherokee Elementary School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6471

 

SUPPORT GROUPS 

Autism Support Group Meeting. April 9 at 5 p.m. in the Dora Reed multi-purpose room in Cherokee, N.C. Join for autism support, education, and resources. Light refreshments and water will be provided. Info: Candy Ross (828) 359-2203 or Amanda Bradley 359-2204

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday at 6pm at 1 Hospital Rd, Cherokee, NC. Celebrate recovery is a Christ centered, recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt,hang-ups and habits of any kind. All are Welcome. Contact is Chris McMillan 828-788-5410.

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

 

WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS 

Indivisible Swain County meeting. March 25 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda will be on environmental issues Swain County is facing. All are welcome to attend. Info: indivisibleswain@gmail.com for a Zoom link or for questions

WCU Organic Gardening Workshop series. Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Feb. 20 to March 26 on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. The series is entitled “Getting the Most Out of Organic Gardening” and will be facilitated by local garden and native plant expert, Adam Bigelow, through Western Carolina University’s Division of Educational Outreach. The cost is $89 per person and spots are limited. To register, visit www.learn.wcu.nativeplant101 or call WCU Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397

WCU Spring Literary Festival. April 1-5 in Hinds University Center’s theater on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. The festival has a long tradition of bringing writers to the community and university, highlighting both Appalachian literature and national talent. There will be approximately three events per day, including book signings, panels, readings, and more. All events are free and open to the public. The festival is made possible by local and national supporters, including the North Carolina Arts Council, WCU’s 2023-2024 Community and Belongingness campus theme, South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of English Studies. Info: www.litfest.org or contact WCU’s Department of English Studies (828) 227-7264