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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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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The weather tried it, but National Night Out did not miss a beat! Initially planned as an outdoor event on the Courthouse Square, the planning committee’s quick thinking turned it into an indoor party that was nothing short of a fun Saturday hangout inside the John Graham gym.

With live entertainment, a bouncy house, games, and delicious food, as well as vendors offering valuable information and event swag, National Night Out was a fun-filled celebration that also served as a call to action to strengthen the bond between local law enforcement and the community. / The Warrenist

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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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On Saturday, Sept. 6, the community gathered at the Haliwa-Saponi Multipurpose Building in Hollister to celebrate the life and legacy of Faith Hedgepeth during the annual Faith’s Smile Scholarship Fundraiser.

The day was filled with love, laughter, and remembrance as family and friends came together to keep Faith’s light shining. Guests enjoyed a plate sale and silent auction, with all proceeds supporting local students in pursuit of their college dreams.

Created in honor of a vibrant and loving American Indian woman, the Faith’s Smile Scholarship is open to female students connected to a recognized American Indian tribe in North Carolina through membership or ancestry, entering their freshman year at a four-year college or university.

Faith’s radiant smile continues to inspire, and her legacy lives on through every scholarship awarded and in the hearts of all who love her.

Donations may be sent to:
104 Haliwa Drive
Warrenton, NC 27589

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The community came out on Saturday, Sept. 6 for the first WC Food Festival in the parking lot of the forthcoming Mag’s Marketplace in Warrenton, NC. Hosted by The Front Porch Grocery Co-op, the event featured several local food vendors and live entertainment to set the tone.

Tacos Mama Chava, The Pyramids Food Truck, Native Soul, Sienna Sweets, Sharon’s Sweet Treats, Etc…Catering, The Front Porch Lemonade Stand, and Barnes Body Sculpting were amongst the event vendors. Local singing sensation, Steve Hyman kicked off the event with a gospel medley, followed by Daniel Beech, and DJ J-Rich.

Dub C’z Finest newest dance team made their debut.

It was a good time for all, and we look forward to this year’s celebration.

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