In Feb. 5 Issue
By Greg Wells
Times Journal Managing Editor

"I've been coming to this for 12 years," said Larry Grigsby. "Normally they were booking 40 or 50 packages, that includes a room and the buffalo dinner, this year I think they booked 19."

Grigsby and his wife, concessionaires at the Native American Weekend at Lake Cumberland State Park last weekend, were discounting their wears to the small group of people who visited the event.

He said the event being canceled the previous year may have had an effect, but the economy and terrible weather likely had as much effect.

It would seem though that not all of that effect was negative.

"We live in Danville," a woman was overheard to say. "We haven't had any power so we came down here for a stay, to keep warm."

Regardless of the weather or how many were in the crowd, a full schedule of presentations went ahead.

Christina Pavon, from Rockcastle County, said she brings her daughter down to reconnect with their Native-American heritage.

"My great grandmother was Cherokee," said said.

Nearby two brothers with jet-black hair, Taron and Tedd Begay from Sulfur Springs Tenn., were engrossed in their craft project.

When asked if he was having fun at the even Taron said, “Yea, we've been hanging around in the cabin, watching TV and stuff.”