TUSCUMBIA – A celebration of the culture and traditions of the indigenous people who once inhabited North Alabama is planned next month offering free family fun, authentic Indian food and hands-on demonstrations in downtown Tuscumbia.
Oka Kapassa: Return to Coldwater Native American Festival is set for Sept. 12-13, with activities taking place in and around beautiful Spring Park in downtown Tuscumbia.
The Oka Kapassa: Return to Coldwater Native American Festival kicks off Sept. 12 when the park opens at 5 p.m. for a select group of Native American crafts demonstrators and sellers followed by a pre-festival concert.
Tribal demonstrators will be treated for supper, remembering the kindness of the town and its unique role in history when citizens fed and cared for Native Americans during the Removal. Ham and white beans, roasted corn and concessions will also be available for the public to purchase.
The concert of Native American flute and Celtic fiddle music performed by nationally recognized artist Arvel Bird (Piute) begins at 7 p.m. Arvel’s musical brand, “Celtic Indian”, reflects his mixed-blood American Indian and Celtic heritages with violin, fiddle, Native flutes and Irish whistles. He has been a featured performer on tours with Glen Campbell, Tom T. Hall, Ray Price, Louise Mandrell and Clay Walker.
Following the concert at approximately 8 p.m. will be a symbolic “Lighting of the Torches” originating from the Trail of Tears Statue at Coldwater Falls, moving quietly along the water in remembrance of those who were forcibly removed during the tragic years of the Indian Removal. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move to the Roundhouse at the Tuscumbia Depot.
On Sept. 13, festivities get underway in Spring Park at 10 a.m. with grand entry set for 11 a.m. Special crafts, fancy and traditional dance demonstrations by Chickasaw, Cherokee and Choctaw dancers, hands-on activities, life-skill demonstrations, storytelling and music are on the agenda and authentic Native American artwork and crafts will be available for purchase.
Expect to see returning hoop dancer and festival favorite Lyndon Alec (Alabama) who will be performing with a surprise guest. Amy Bluemel (Chickasaw) will again be sharing the special stories and legends of the First Peoples. Drum will be by the Southern Pine Singers (Choctaw).
There will be crafts by artisans including basket weaving by Sue Fish (Chickasaw) and Will Harjo (Muskogee Creek) will be demonstrating the art of flute-making.
Oka Kapassa also welcomes American Indian cooks who will prepare and cook foods that were developed by their ancestors. Mary Newman (Eastern Cherokee) will demonstrate traditional outdoor cooking of the 1800s, preparing foods in cast iron and clay pots over a campfire. Chloe Thompson (Choctaw) will prepare a traditional hominy and pork dish. Juanita Gardinski and her brother Billy Thompson (Choctaw) are returning to serve delicious and authentic Native American foods such as buffalo stew and burgers, fry bread, Indian tacos, fish, alligator and roasted corn. Gardinski will also demonstrate bead work and share Choctaw culture with festival goers.
The Coldwater Stagecoach Stop, living history log cabin at 301 S. Dickson Street in Tuscumbia, will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Saturday’s festival to provide living history of the time-period and of the citizens of Tuscumbia, 1815-1830.
The daylong event in the park concludes at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
In case of inclement weather, Sept. 13’s festival events will move to Northwest Shoals Community College.
For more information, call Colbert County Tourism at 800-344-0783 or 256-383-0783, visit www.okakapassafestival.org or follow the Oka Kapassa Festival-Return to Coldwater Facebook page.
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