The Southeastern Mvskoke Nation hosted its Second Annual Creek Friends Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the tribal grounds located at 242 County Road 2254 in Troy, Alabama.
The family-oriented event celebrated Native American culture with a full day of activities, entertainment, and education. Hundreds of guests attended the event, including children from all over who visited as part of school field trips. The event gave students from area schools as well as adults an opportunity to learn about Native history and traditions.
Daleville Councilman Kevin Turley, who was present and participated in the event, shared his experience with the Dale County Chronicle.
“We had a great turnout…at the festival with students from [many counties] in attendance.” Turley also said he estimates that over 300 students attended the event.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a wide array of attractions, including stomp dancing, native dancers, and a candy dance. Interactive and educational exhibits featured flint knapping, storytelling, arts and crafts, and arrowhead digging. Guests also enjoyed live music, drums, a photo booth, face painting, and traditional games such as the stickball game.
Food vendors served traditional and modern favorites such as fry bread, Indian tacos, BBQ, hot dogs, roasted corn, and lemonade. Native American artisans showcased handmade jewelry, bone carvings, woodwork, shell carvings, and stick weaving. Souvenir items such as T-shirts and caps were also available for purchase.
“It was a great honor to once again host an educational and fun event in which students and families could visit, learn, and have fun,” said Southeastern Mvskoke Nation Tribal Chief Michelle Gilmore.
For more information about this group and future events, visit www.SoutheasternMvskokeNation.org or contact Chief Michelle Gilmore at 334-657-6696.
Photos included with this story were provided as a courtesy by the Southeastern Mvskoke Nation.
