How will Cherokee affect you?
Amateur astronomers and educators alike have been getting ready (and excited!) for the “Great American Eclipse” happening Monday, August 21. This is a total solar eclipse, which happens when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light, casting an enormous shadow over the Earth. For those who really want to be precise, “totality,” or the total eclipse, begins at 2:35:41 p.m. (EDT) on August 21. An astronomical event of the rarest kind, a total solar eclipse that’s only viewable in the U.S. hasn’t taken place since 1776! That’s why Cherokee is having a two-day celebration in honor of this heavenly event, August 20–21.
When an eclipse happened during the times of the ancient Cherokees, they believed a giant frog that lived in the sky had swallowed the sun (or moon, if it was a lunar eclipse), causing darkness to occur during the daytime. The Cherokees and other tribes would gather and fire guns, beat drums, and generally make noise so as to frighten the great frog away, making the sun shine brightly again.
To commemorate the Eclipse's cultural significance, this two-day event will include the Warriors of AniKituhwa, Native American performances, storytelling, food vendors, and more. Since an eclipse should never be viewed without protective eyewear, certified solar eclipse glasses will be available for $5 at the event and are included with your admission.
Admission:
Click here to order your admission ticket now!
$25 each day for ages 6 yrs. and older (includes a free pair of certified eclipse glasses). Children 5 & under are free and they will get a pair of certified eclipse glasses as well. Souvenirs and additional purchases for custom certified eclipse glasses will be available during the event. Glasses are available at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds gate, Cherokee Welcome Center, and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. There will also be a special commemorative t-shirt available for $20.
Please bring your own folding chair and enjoy seating in the open area at the Fairgrounds where you can enjoy the festivities and the Eclipse event. You may want to bring your own drum if you would like to participate in “chasing away the frog” during the period of totality.
Schedule of Events:
Sunday, August 20, 2017
2:00 p.m. Presentation of Colors
2:05 p.m. National Anthem
2:10 p.m. Welcome
2:15 p.m. Cherokee Warriors
2:45 p.m. Story Telling
3:30 p.m. The Toppers
4:30 p.m. Youth Stickball
5:45 p.m. Teen Stickball
7:00 p.m. Jody Medford Band
8:00 p.m. Bonfire
9:00 p.m. Gates Close
Monday, August 21, 2017
9:00 a.m. Gates Open
10:10 a.m. Presentation of Colors
10:15 a.m. Cherokee Anthem
10:20 a.m. Welcoming
10:30 a.m. AM Superstars
12:00 p.m. The Toppers
1:30 p.m. Story Telling
2:10 p.m. Drumming
2:45 p.m. Cherokee Warriors
3:15 p.m. Jody Medford Band
4:35 p.m. The Toppers
6:00 p.m. Southern Halo
7:00 p.m. Gates Close
7:10 p.m. Bonfire at the Island
9:00 p.m. Bonfire Ends
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Cherokee, NC 28719
Phone: 800.438.1601
Email:
