HOPINSVILLE, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Annual Trail of Tears Pow Wow is set for September 8 and 9 at the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, 1730 East 9th St. in Hopkinsville.
It’s a weekend filled with Native American heritage, dance competitions, singing, story telling, arts & crafts. You’ll also find Native American jewelry, clothing, collectibles, plus a variety of unique food and merchandise vendors.
The Trail of Tears Park is one of the few documented campsites used during the forced removal of the Cherokee people from Georgia to Oklahoma in 1838-39. It was along the banks of the Little River in Hopkinsville which was one of many sites on the journey where the Indians camped and received provisions.
Thousands of Cherokees died on the long trip which took place over the winter and the park is the burial ground for two Cherokee Chiefs, Fly Smith and Whitepath, who died on the site and are honored with statues in the park.
Gates open both Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. with three Grand Entries, Saturday at 11:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Admission price at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for children 7-12, and children 6 and under are free. Parking is free and you’ll also receive a free program flyer.
To learn more about the 30th Annual Trail of Tears Pow Wow visit trailoftears.org or call 270-886-8033 or 270-886-2300.