The Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe will welcome visitors from across the region for the 61st Annual Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow, set for April 17–19, 2026, at 130 Haliwa Saponi Trail in Hollister.

Recognized as the oldest powwow in North Carolina, the Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow has historically drawn crowds of up to 10,000 visitors in a single weekend. The three-day cultural celebration showcases Native traditions through competitive dancing, drum contests, art exhibitions, and multiple Grand Entry ceremonies open to the public.

Competition Highlights

This year’s powwow features a highly anticipated drum contest with a $5,000 first-place prize, followed by awards of $4,000, $3,000, and $2,000. Dance competitions will include Golden Age, Adult, Teen, Junior, and Tiny Tots categories, with cash prizes awarded in each division. Registration for participants is $10 per person, and tribal identification may be requested.

The Pine Lodge Singers of Pembroke, N.C., will serve as the host drum for the weekend.

Grand Entry & Schedule

Grand Entry times are scheduled as follows (all times Eastern):
Friday: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: Noon and 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.

A worship service will also be held Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Admission & Event Details

Daily admission is:
$10 for ages 7–61
$8 for ages 62 and older
Free for children 6 and under

A weekend pass is available for $20. Admission and on-site purchases are cash only. Camping will be available, but pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited on tribal grounds.

Traditional and contemporary art entries must be delivered to the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School cafeteria by 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Featured Staff & Guests

This year’s featured staff includes:

Head Male Dancer: Eric Plainbull
Head Female Dancer: Charlize Evans
Arena Director: Will Richardson
Head Judge: Kevin Chavis
MCs: JD Moore and Sandon Jacobs

Host hotels for the event include the Holiday Inn Rocky Mount and the Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids.

Vendor & Contact Information

Vendor applications will be accepted exclusively through the official online form. The only way to apply for vendor space is by submitting an application at the Tribe’s designated link.

Headquartered in Hollister, the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe is a sovereign Indian nation committed to protecting its identity, cultural heritage, and the well-being of its citizens. Through education, health initiatives, economic development, housing, and cultural programming, the Tribe continues to serve as an advocate for its people while building partnerships with local, state, and federal entities to strengthen the broader region.

For more information, contact the Tribe at (252) 586-4017.

Community members and visitors alike are invited to experience the rich traditions, powerful drumming, vibrant regalia, and cultural pride that define this longstanding North Carolina tradition.

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Warren County residents are invited to take a deeper look into the rich heritage of their community as the County continues its “Let’s Talk Warren County” series in 2026.

Originally launched in 2025 by the Warren County Board of Commissioners and County Administration in partnership with various County departments, the “Let’s Talk Warren County” initiative was created to foster open dialogue, civic engagement, and community connection. The series now returns for the new year with a special focus on local history.

The upcoming event, titled “Let’s Talk Warren County – The History of Warren County,” will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 6:00 pm. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center, located at 501 U.S. Highway 158 Business East in Warrenton.

The evening will feature presentations from County and Municipal Government officials, as well as local historians who will share insights into the people, places, and pivotal moments that have shaped Warren County over the years. Organizers promise a dynamic lineup of speakers and engaging storytelling that highlights the County’s unique past.

In addition to scheduled presenters, attendees will also have an opportunity to participate. Time will be set aside for individuals who would like to share a brief personal story—five minutes or less—related to Warren County’s history.

County leaders say they are looking forward to an evening centered on learning, reflection, and discovery. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the conversation.

Mark your calendar and plan to join the discussion on February 27 at 6:00 pm. as Warren County comes together to explore its history and celebrate the legacy that continues to shape its future.

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Warren County Health Department was among ten local health departments that were accredited by the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation (NCLHDA) Board on November 21, 2025. The health department’s Accreditation Team traveled to Raleigh to participate in the meeting with the state board which included responding to questions from the board about their agency and services. Wes Gray, the Site Visit Team Lead shared highlights from their visit to Warren County and identified best practice programs implemented by the health department. The accreditation period is from November 21, 2025 – November 21, 2029.

“Congratulations to each health department who has newly completed an accreditation cycle. Accreditation is a quality improvement process to assure that core public health services are provided in all North Carolina counties and add value in local communities. The accreditation process requires teamwork and dedication from health department staff, Boards of Health members, peer site visitors, and Accreditation Board members, all working together to identify, clarify, verify, and amplify the quality work taking place across our state. Each of these agencies has demonstrated their ability to maintain and/or exceed the thorough standards established by the NCLHDA Program. Well done!” comments Margaret Benson Nemitz, NC Local Health Department Accreditation Administrator.

Warren County Health Department was one of seven agencies that achieved “Accreditation with Honors.” The department successfully achieved 146 out of 147 required activities reviewed during the accreditation process. This honorary designation was implemented for the first time in Fall of 2017 to recognize agencies that especially excelled in their accreditation assessment by missing one or less activities within each of five standards set by the NCLHDA Program. Since its inception, this is the second time that Warren County Health Department has received Accreditation with Honors. Dr. Margaret Brake, Health Director stated “I am extremely proud of our entire staff whose dedication and hard work are why we are successful in our mission of protecting and improving the health of all of our residents. I also express my appreciation to our county administration, Board of Health, commissioners and community partners who support and contribute to our public health efforts.”

North Carolina was the first state in the country to mandate accreditation for its local health departments in 2005. The process of accreditation includes three major components – a self-assessment completed by the agency, a site visit by a multidisciplinary team of peers to review performance standards, and a determination of accreditation status by an independent Accreditation Board comprised of state and local public health officials, Board of Health members, County Commissioners, and at large members.

The NC Local Health Department Accreditation Program is administered by the North Carolina Institute for Public Health (part of the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) through collaboration with the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.

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Warren Early College High School senior Juniper Cumming has been selected as a member of the North Carolina Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) for the 2025–26 school year. Cumming is among a diverse group of student leaders from across the state chosen to work directly with State Superintendent Mo Green and education leaders to share student perspectives on critical issues impacting public education.

Earlier this year, K–12 public school students from across North Carolina were invited to apply to serve on Superintendent Green’s Student Advisory Council. More than 800 students submitted applications, with candidates asked to share details about the school they attend, their interest in council service, past leadership experience, and their views on one of the biggest challenges facing public education and recommendations for addressing it. The application process was highly competitive, reflecting strong student interest in shaping education policy at the state level.

As a council member, Cumming will join monthly virtual meetings with Superintendent Green and staff from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to offer insights and recommendations on topics that matter to students. The Council gives student voices a platform to influence decisions about public education, from instructional policy to student supports.

Cumming, who is passionate about place-based education and community-connected learning, looks forward to representing Warren County students and contributing to conversations that strengthen public schools statewide.

The SSAC is made up of high school juniors and seniors from all eight education regions of North Carolina. Members serve two-year terms, giving them the chance to develop proposals and advocate on issues that reflect the priorities and experiences of their peers.

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Warren County High School is soaring into sports history this week as the Eagles football team advances to the fourth round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs, the deepest playoff run in the school’s 42-year history.

Led by Athletic Director and Head Coach Victor Hunt, Jr., the Eagles, with a 10-2 record, will take the field on Friday, November 28, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 pm at Warren County High School. Fans, families, and community supporters are encouraged to pack The Nest and bring their Eagle Pride as the team looks to continue its record-breaking postseason journey.

Before the game, the Athletic Department will host a “HYPE ME UP” Meet & Greet at 6:00 pm, giving supporters a unique opportunity to celebrate the players and cheerleaders ahead of the big match-up against Holmes.

The pregame event will feature:

Live interviews with Eagles football players and cheerleaders

Photo and TikTok opportunities

Complimentary hot chocolate to keep everyone warm

The meet and greet is free, and admission for the game is $14.

With the game falling on Black Friday, fans are encouraged to participate in the evening’s theme: #TheBlackout.

“This team has worked incredibly hard all season, and seeing them make it this far is something our entire community should celebrate,” said Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis.

The school encourages everyone to come early, enjoy the festivities, and help send the Eagles into the next round with the full power of Warren County behind them.

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The Warrenton Rotary Club has announced that Victor Hunt, Jr. will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 Warrenton Christmas Parade, bringing a spirited blend of athletic pride and community leadership to this year’s celebration.

Hunt, who is widely recognized for his leadership as the Athletic Director and the head coach of the Warren County High School Eagles football team, will trade the sidelines for Main Street on Saturday, December 13. The honor comes at an especially exciting moment for the Eagles, who are advancing through the 2A North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs.

When invited to serve as Grand Marshal, Hunt noted that December 13th will be a full and meaningful day. With the playoff game scheduled in Durham earlier that morning, he expects to return to Warrenton just in time to take his place at the front of the parade, which begins at 5 pm.

A small gathering on November 21 at Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard marked the official moment Hunt accepted the Rotary Club’s invitation.

Warren County High School Principal Dr. Lionel Kato, Assistant Principal Crystal Boyd, and Warrenton Rotary Club Parade Chairman Butch Meek joined Hunt for the occasion, while students looked on with Eagle Pride.

The Warrenton Rotary Club said they are thrilled to honor someone who embodies both school spirit and community commitment. The 2025 Christmas Parade promises to be one of the most memorable yet—with Coach Hunt leading the way.

The next WCHS Eagles football game is Friday, November 28 at 7pm, where they will take on Holmes in the fourth round playoffs.

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Don’t miss the Greatest High School Homecoming on Earth (#GHSHOE)! It’s WCHS Homecoming 2025!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2

The Calm Before the Storm
7pm-12pm
The Deck Entertainment Complex
967 US Hwy 158, Norlina

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

WCHS Homecoming Parade
5pm
Main Street, Warrenton

Meet and Greet
6-9pm
Warren County Courthouse Square
109 S. Main Street, Warrenton

Steel Stix Night
6:30
Warren County High School
149 Campus Drive, Warrenton

Eagles Night Out
8pm-12am
Warren County Armory Civic Center
501 US Hwy 158 Bus E, Warrenton

Ole School Talent Show
9pm-11pm
Warren County High School
149 Campus Drive, Warrenton

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

Eagles Tailgate
8am-5pm
Warren County High School
149 Campus Drive, Warrenton

Homecoming @ the Vineyard
12pm-6pm
Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard
332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina

WCHS HOMECOMING GAME
2pm
Warren County High School
149 Campus Drive, Warrenton

Dub Fest 2025
2-10pm
Warren County Recreational Complex
840 US-158 BYP, Warrenton

Alumni Jazz Show
6:30pm
Warren County High School
149 Campus Drive, Warrenton

50 Shades of Maroon & Grey After Party
8pm-1am
The Deck Entertainment Complex
967 US Hwy 158, Norlina

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

Eagle Worship Service
9:15am
Perfecting Praise Ministries
1216 US Highway 158 Business West, Norlina

On Sundays, Eagles Brunch
11am-4pm
Southern Charm Event Center
200 S. Garnett Street, Henderson

Homecoming @ the Vineyard
1pm-6pm
Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard
332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina

Farewell Eagles Day Party
4-10pm
The Deck Entertainment Complex
967 US Hwy 158, Norlina

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Guardian’s Haven Project, a nonprofit founded by Army National Guard combat veteran Erin Chism, will host its annual Farm-to-Table Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, September 27, 2025, on the beautiful grounds of Homestead Farm in Warrenton. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for self-guided tours of the farm’s botanical gardens and walking trails, with dinner served at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The evening will feature a locally sourced gourmet dinner, highlighting seasonal fruits, vegetables, and meats from farms in the community. Guests will enjoy local beer from Bragging Rooster, wine from Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard, live music by Haley Ellis and The Hundley Brothers, along with a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance.

For tickets, click here.

ABOUT GUARDIAN’S HAVEN PROJECT

Guardian’s Haven Project was founded by Chism after serving in Afghanistan in 2012–2013 with the 514th Military Police Company, 60th Troop Command. During that deployment, the unit sustained multiple casualties, including SSG Donna Johnson, SGT Jeremy Hardison, and SGT Thomas J. Butler IV. Inspired by their sacrifice and motivated by the challenges veterans face accessing care through the VA, Chism created Guardian’s Haven Project to provide meaningful, trauma-informed support for veterans and first responders.

“Our mission is to honor the fallen by supporting the living,” said Chism. “Through trauma informed equine-assisted therapy, horticultural therapy, opportunities to learn self-sustaining skills, and camaraderie, Guardian’s Haven Project offers a place for healing, purpose, and community.”

Homestead Farm, the family property where Guardian’s Haven Project is based, has been transformed by Chism’s parents, Steven and Susan Bender, into a welcoming destination with gardens, trails, and gathering spaces. The farm is open to the public every Saturday and serves as the backdrop for the nonprofit’s programs and events.

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The Warren County Senior Center is excited to host its First Annual Fall Field Day on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Warren Recreational Complex. This fun-filled community event will feature games, music, food, and fitness activities designed to bring seniors and community members together for a day of enjoyment and wellness.

Participants will be able to join in a wide variety of activities, including Chair Volleyball, Cornhole, Cake Walk, Fun Walk, Football Throw, Softball Throw, Egg Race, Line Dancing, and an Outdoor Yoga session. The event will also include a DJ providing music throughout the day, keeping the energy lively and encouraging dancing and fellowship.

Admission is $5.00 per person, which includes lunch and one snack.

For additional information or reservation, contact Aquayla Lynch, Senior Center Activity Director at 252-257-3111.

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Tranique Kearney received some exciting news to kick off her next chapter: she’s the latest recipient of the Louise Spruill Scholarship.

The $500 award comes just in time as Kearney embarks on her freshman year at UNC-Charlotte, where she’ll study pre-nursing to become a nurse anesthesiologist.

The scholarship honors the late Louise Spruill, one of the founding members of the Heritage Quilters, and is made possible through donations and the organization’s fundraising efforts. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a student who shows promise, dedication, and drive—qualities Kearney embodies in full.

Scholarship committee chair Margaret Bullock and Earlean Henderson, treasurer of the Heritage Quilters Giving Circle, were on hand to present the Henderson Collegiate graduate with the check, a moment filled with smiles, pride, and plenty of encouragement.

For Kearney, the award is a stepping stone toward a future healthcare career. However, for the community, it is a reminder of the power of investing in young people and the dreams they carry forward.

We wish Tranique all the best!

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