The first annual Ancestors Memorial Gourd Dance was held at the Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs Arkansas on October 23rd, 2004.It was a great event. The Cherokee Red Star Intertribal Gourd Dance Society of Blue Spring was the Host Gourd for the dance and many dancers, from many states, participated in the one-day Memorial Gourd Dance. The Head Singer was Patrick Oyebi and the Drum was Drumbusters of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The Head Gourd Dancer was Earl "Cloud Dancer" Hatley and the Arena Director was Walter "Paw-e-tan-wi" Stogsdill. The day was absolutely beautiful with sun and a warm breeze and the drum touched the hearts.
The drum and dancers honored the ancestors with many songs and dances throughout the morning and afternoon. A traditional meal of buffalo, turkey, corn soup, beans, grape dumplings, and fry bread was then served to all the Gourd Dancers, Staff, Singers and Drum.
This site was last updated 12/03/07