On Saturday, June 5, come down to the river for food, fun, and culture. This daylong event at will take place at Historic Staunton River Foundation, and Virginia’s Scenic Rivers Program are sponsoring the Sappony Indian River Festival. The public is invited to come out and enjoy an array of cultural, historical, and artistic events that celebrate the heritage of our Native Americans.
This festival offers something for everyone, with workshops and demonstrations throughout the day. Children (ages 5-12) can try making a dream catcher. Hear stories about life in the High Plains and learn about local Sappony tribal history. Learn the “Three Sisters” story of traditional Native planting from the Sappony Tribe. The Virginia Raptor Conservancy will offer presentations about birds of prey and how you can protect them. There will be Native powwow dance and drum demonstrations, arts, and foodavailable for purchase.
Visitors can also see the site of an ongoing archeological research project conducted by the Longwood University Archeological Field School. This project focuses on the cultural resources of the Late Woodland Period, from about 900 A.D. until about 1425 A.D. Thisresearch has been ongoing since 1998, and indicates that there was once a settlement here.
Enjoy our water resources by taking a canoe ride while learning about the Staunton (Sappony) River and its contribution to trade, life, and transportation of yesterday and today.Canoes are launched from Watkins Bridge (Scuffletown Road; Rt. 746) and pre-registration is required along with a $15.00 fee per person, which includes a commemorative t-shirt.
General admission is $6.00/person; $5.00 for Seniors, and free for ages 0-4. Additional fees may apply for certain crafts. For more information about the event, please visit www.sapponyriverfest.org.
Directions to the Staunton River Battlefield State Park can be found by accessing www.virginiastateparks.gov.