2023 Cherokee Christmas Parade | Cherokee, NC

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2023 Cherokee Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 9 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Christmas Parade Lights Up the Night with Holiday Magic

The annual Cherokee Christmas Parade is set to return. On December 09, 2023, at 6:00 PM, locals and vistors alike will gather to celebrate the holiday season with festive floats, music, and creativity. Don't miss this magical holiday event that brings the community together in the spirit of Christmas!

Participants from various organizations and individuals are invited to be part of this event. The parade route will take you through downtown Cherokee, turning onto 441 N., and concluding behind the Qualla Arts & Crafts. See below for more details.

Location:

Cherokee, NC 28719

Phone: (828) 359-6490
Email:

Information for Participants

This year, participants have the chance to shine and win fantastic prizes. Floats will be judged based on lighting, music, and creativity. The prizes include 1st Place: $550, 2nd Place: $300, and 3rd Place: $200. The competition promises to be fierce as participants transform their floats into a mesmerizing display of holiday cheer.

Rules and Guidelines:

  • Ensure your organization's name is clearly visible on both sides of your float.
  • Floats will be judged along the parade route.
  • The judging criteria include lighting, music, and creativity.
  • All entries, drop-offs, and traffic must enter via the Hungry Bear Exxon Gas Station on White Water Drive.
  • Parade participants and floats are the only traffic allowed on White Water Drive.
  • Parade lineup begins at 1:00 PM, with floats required to be in the lineup no later than 5:15 PM.
  • Traffic should be cleared from the parade route by 5:45 PM, with no exceptions.
  • Participants must gather with their group at 5:30 PM; the road will be closed at this time.
  • Persons riding horses are responsible for clean-up.
  • Winners will be announced at the Cherokee Welcome Center at the end of the parade.
  • Parade entry forms can be obtained at the Cherokee Welcome Center.
  • Entries will be accepted until 12/08/2022 at 4:00 PM (NO EXCEPTIONS). If you want your float to be judged, please ensure to fill out a W-9 form and a liability form.

Parade participant application, W-9, and liability forms are available at The Cherokee Welcome Center or for download on VisitCherokeeNC.com. For more information, please contact the Cherokee Welcome Center at (828) 359-6490 or Josie Long at (828) 359-6491, or via email at josilong@ebci-nsn.gov.

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Cherokee Spring Rod Run

Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27

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Fire Mountain Inferno

Saturday, May 4 from 7:30 am to Sunday, May 5 at 3:30 pm

Join us for 2 days of adrenaline-pumping action at the 2024 Fire Mountain Inferno mountain bike event!

Welcome to the Fire Mountain Inferno mountain bike event in Cherokee, North Carolina, recognized as the Best Mountain Bike Race in the annual Best of the Blue Ridge survey by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.   

Scheduled to take place from May 4th to May 5th, 2024, the Fire Mountain Inferno is poised to captivate riders and spectators alike with its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain. Organized by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this year's event will feature riders of all skill levels.

Divided into four categories – expert, sport, beginner, and junior – participants will tackle a variety of challenges, from thrilling descents to grueling cross-country routes, as they navigate the renowned Fire Mountain Trails. With the full support of the Eastern Band, attendees can anticipate an unparalleled experience celebrating the rich heritage and natural wonders of Cherokee.

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Customer Appreciation Day

Saturday, May 25

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Memorial Day Fishing Tournament

Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26

$10,000 in Cash Prizes!

Spend the long weekend with the boys: rainbow, brook, golden, and brown. With your $15 entry fee and a two-day ($17) fishing permit, covering both tournament days, you can compete for $10,000 in tagged fish within the beautiful freestone streams of Cherokee, NC; only the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters are excluded.

Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event, and when you catch one, you redeem it for cash prizes at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 517 Sequoyah Trail off Hwy 441. Prize redemption hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each tournament day, with a final tag turn in time of 4 p.m. on day two. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods.

Register for this tournament anywhere fishing permits are sold in and around Cherokee or online at FishCherokee.com by Friday, May 24, 2024.

EBCI Natural Resources Department reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or amend any tournament or event due to catastrophes, pandemics, states of emergency, adverse weather, etc

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