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Swain County, North Carolina

May 16, 2008 through May 17, 2008
Swain County Relay For Life
Swain County High School Football Field

A fundraising event to fight cancer, honor survivors, and to remember those who lost their battle. Come and support the Relay teams and "Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back." Relay begins at 6pm and will end the following morning at 7am.
828-488-3145

May 17, 2008 through May 17, 2008
Strawberry Jam Festival
Darnell Farms, just East of Bryson City on US 19.

What a “yummy” celebration of mountain music and agriculture! Live demonstrations of blacksmithing and mountain workhorse tasks blend with local arts and crafts, plenty of music, and loads of fresh strawberries to make this a very special event! Darnell Farms. US Hwy 19E. Take Exit 69, US Hwy 74.
828-488-7889

May 23, 2008 through May 24, 2008
Heritage Festival Weekend
Bryson City Riverfront Park

Friday, 6pm - 9pm Saturday, 10am - 8pm. This two day festival has it all! Friday night entertainment is loaded with local talent featuring an emphasis on old – time gospel. Saturday entertainment is as varied as the region - a highlands pipe and drum corps, classic country and bluegrass, or high energy newgrass. In addition to music, the festival offers local arts and crafts, food, games for the kids, and fun for the whole family! Bryson City Riverfront Park Mitchell Street, Exit 67 from Hwy. 74
828-488-3681, 800-867-9246

May 24, 2008 through May 25, 2008
Memorial Day Pow Wow
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds

A full weekend of native dance, food, arts, crafts, and entertainment - an excellent introduction to the Cherokee culture. Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.Exit 74 (US 441), US Hwy 74.
800-438-1601

June 2, 2008 through June 2, 2008
6th Annual Kids Fishing Tournament
Beasey Pavilion at Old 288 Riverside Park

A great way to celebrate flag day with family, fishing, and fun! Annual fishing tournament open to children through age 12. No entry fee. Competitors do not have to be Swain County residents. Prizes in many categories with every child a winner. Hot dog lunch provided. Sponsored by Fontana Lake Users Association.
828-488-4122

June 6, 2008 through June 8, 2008
Cherokee Gourd Festival
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds

This event is truly unique! Featuring classes and workshops on all facets of gourd manufacture and design. All this in a fun and lively festival atmosphere.
800-438-1601

June 10, 2008 through June 14, 2008
Summerfest Carnival
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds

This event is designed for the child in all of us! Carnival rides, games, and all the treats you can eat – all the lights, sounds, and aromas of the midway! Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Exit 74 (Hwy 441), US Hwy 74.
800-438-1601

June 14, 2008 through June 14, 2008
The Cherokee Voices Festival
Museum of the Cherokee Indian

he very best storytellers, dancers, musicians, and craftspeople of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are represented for a day of culture and fun. Whether you want to brush up on your Cherokee or dance the day away – this event has it all! The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Exit (US 441), US Hwy 74.
828-497-3481

July 4, 2008 through July 6, 2008
July Pow Wow
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds

Traditional dance, storytelling, entertainment, games, arts and crafts and more are characteristic of this anticipated annual event. A spectacular show of evening fireworks is also featured on the 4th. Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Exit 74 (US 441), Hwy 74.
800-438-1601

July 17, 2008 through July 19, 2008
Festival of Native Peoples & Cherokee Art Market
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds

This event showcases the sublime art of the Cherokees. Other events include traditional dance, storytelling, and entertainment. Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Exit 74 (US 441), Hwy 74.
800-438-1601

August 30, 2008 through August 31, 2008
Inspirations Labor Day Festival
Inspiration Park, Hyatt Creek Road, Bryson City, NC

Gospel music weekend featuring some of the nation's most famous gospel music groups. Inspiration Park, exit 69 from Hwy. 74 or Hwy. 19 to Hyatt Creek Road.
828-497-2060

September 20, 2008 through September 20, 2008
Mountain Life Festival
Mountain Farm Museum, Cherokee

10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Ever wonder “how did they do that”? Here’s your chance to find out. Demonstrations include soap making, hearth cooking, hominy, apple butter and cider, plus a working cane mill and wood – fired cooker used for the making of sorghum syrup. Mountain Farm Museum, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cherokee.
828-497-1904

October 17, 2008 through October 18, 2008
Inspirations Fall Color Festival
Inspiration Park, Hyatt Creek Road (Exit 69 US Hwy 74)

Gospel music in a beautiful mountain top setting featuring many well-known groups. Inspiration Park, Take Exit 69 off Hwy. 74 or Hwy. 19 to Hyatt Creek Road.
828-497-2060

November 8, 2008 through November 8, 2008
Mountain Shapes and Colors
Almond Center, Southwestern Community College

Showcase for local artists and artisans includes silent auction and artist’s gala. Original paintings, silver jewelry, hand thrown pottery, hand woven baskets, turned wood and wearable art. Southwestern Community College, Almond Annex, Hwy 74W
828-488-6413

December 6, 2008 through December 6, 2008
Bryson City Christmas Parade
Bryson City

2:00 pm. Billed as “the biggest little Christmas parade in the Smokies”, this event lives up to the title! Complete with clowns, an old time boom bah band, floats, homecoming queens, marching bands and of course, Santa. You don’t want to miss this vanishing slice of Americana!
828-488-3681, 800-867-9246

December 6, 2008 through December 6, 2008
Breakfast with Santa
Bryson City Fire Department, Main Street

Hometown Santa experience features photos with Santa and breakfast at a nominal cost. Bryson City Fire Department, Main Street.
828-488-3681, 800-867-9246

December 13, 2008 through December 13, 2008
Spirit of Christmas
Downtown Bryson City

A true Christmas experience! Luminaries line historic Everett Street, the signature hemlock is lit with memorial lights, carolers and musical artists abound, and a living nativity proceeds up the avenue. Photos are available with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children can post letters to Santa, and many shops offer special “event” discounts. A wonderful addition to your holiday plans.
828-488-3681, 800-867-9246

December 13, 2008 through December 13, 2008
Cherokee Christmas Parade
Cherokee

A time honored tradition complete with regional marching bands, floats, clowns, and native flair!
800-438-1601

December 20, 2008 through December 20, 2008
A Mountain Homecoming
Mountain Farm Museum, Cherokee

Demonstrations of crafts past, live music, refreshments, and walking tours of the Mountain Farm Museum are just a few of the reasons to attend this second annual event! A real “old-time” Christmas celebration! Oconaluftee Visitors Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
828-497-1904