The Ani & Wanei Cultural Festival celebrates the rich cultural milieu of Cherokee and Appalachian heritage in this humming mountain landscape.

On September 22nd from noon until 4:00 PM the traditions of Cherokee and Appalachian art, music, and dance will fill the Big Barn Venue at the Hickory Nut Gap Farm, in Fairview.

The Ani & Wanei Culture Fest brings two principal mountain cultures together in music, art, and food. There is fun and learning for the whole family!

Here, you can try out some Cherokee words, taste frybread tacos, or even participate in a traditional Cherokee Friendship dance. Relax and listen to Appalachian Bluegrass or the haunting sounds of a Native American flute. Browse the traditional wares of painter, potter, weaver, beader, jeweler, and carver.

Musicians will include: Jarrett Wildcat – Cherokee flautist and storyteller and Andrew Wakefield – Appalachian bluegrass guitarist. The Warriors of Anikituhwa will share dances. The Igali Puppets will teach Cherokee words and the Cherokee Royalty, including Miss Cherokee, will share thoughts on important issues that they contact. Artists will offer pottery, baskets, beading, jewelry, woodcarving, and paintings. There will be a Native American Food truck, face painting, and the specialty farm store will open its doors to all.

This celebration of culture stems from a new trailhead sign that will be unveiled at the event. The sign will soon grace the entry to the Strawberry Gap trail in Gerton. This trail, managed by Conserving Carolina, represents a unique paradigm for walking in the U.S. Like in European countries, private land there is available for public use. The trail is a metaphor for the intercultural connection depicted in the Ani & Wanei Cultural Fest.