The Virginia Native American Festival is set to return to Riverbend Park (8700 Potomac Hills Street) in Great Falls for its 24th year.
Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual celebration of Native American cultures and traditions has been a staple in the county since 1997. However, it was put on hold for a couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event is organized by the Fairfax County Park Authority and typically draws around 1,000 visitors each year, Benjamin Boxer, a public information officer for the FCPA, told FFXnow.
“This event has developed a reputation for being a fun and engaging time for families and friends to enjoy exhibits, demonstrations, performances and a variety of activities that celebrate and develop a stronger awareness and understanding of the rich and vibrant heritage of the Native American community in Virginia,” he said.
According to Boxer, the FCPA works with many Native American tribes in the state to put on the festival. This year, representatives from the Rappahannock, Chickahominy, Mattapoini and Upper Mattaponi tribes will be performing, selling traditional crafts to visitors, and putting on demonstrations, including one on using a bow and arrow.
Scheduled performers include the Rappahannock Native American Dancers and Drum group.
Tribal vendors will offer traditional crafts and talk about their cultural heritage and present-day events that help keep it alive. Food will also be available. Tickets are $12 per person in advance.
