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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The Lady Eagles basketball team is entering the season with more than just momentum—they’re carrying the pride of a community that showed up in a big way.

Through an initiative organized by the Friends of the Lady Eagles, the team, which currently holds a 5-2 record, was gifted personalized Travel Suits and Shooter Shirts, a show of support that reflects the deep investment Warren County continues to make in its student-athletes.

The effort was led by Shrounda Douglas-Riddick, whose commitment to uplifting the Lady Eagles this season sparked an immediate and generous response. Supporters from across the community—and beyond—answered the call without hesitation, ensuring the team was fully outfitted and ready to represent.

Special thanks are extended to Squares and Buttons and Motion Major for ensuring the team was properly fitted and prepared for their first presentation on January 6, 2026. Their contributions helped bring the vision to life and gave the team a polished, unified look as they head into competition.

This initiative continues a strong legacy of advocacy for the program. Last year, the Friends of the Lady Eagles successfully secured $7,500 from Dick’s Sporting Goods, with those funds continuing to enhance the basketball program through resources, equipment, and player support.

As conversations around equity in athletics continue, moments like this reinforce an important truth: women’s sports are equally impactful and deserving of investment. Under the leadership of Coach Alston and Coach Bulluck, the Lady Eagles basketball team is steadily rising, fueled by dedication on the court and encouragement from the stands.

With strong leadership, committed supporters, and a community rallying behind them, the Lady Eagles are soaring—and Warren County is cheering them on every step of the way.

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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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The Warren County Schools Alumni Association has done what few can do: they turned tradition into a movement. And the community as a whole is better for it.

When we talk about community, Warren County doesn’t just show up. It shows out!

What started as a homecoming celebration has grown into The Greatest High School Homecoming on Earth. It’s a living, breathing reunion of spirit, legacy, and down home love.

Every fall, the streets of Warren County come alive with that unmistakable hometown vibe. It’s the laughter of classmates reconnecting, the (Eagle) pride of generations sharing stories of yesteryear, and the undeniable joy that comes from seeing our community at its best.

But this isn’t just about a weekend of celebration. It’s about commitment and impact.

Line dance community came together at the WCHS Homecoming Meet and Greet. / Crystal Myrick (Warrenist)

Behind the scenes, this incredible group of alumni has been doing the work that truly transforms lives. They have raised over $14,000 to fund scholarships to help the next generation soar, supported the athletic, band, and trades departments to keep school pride thriving, and organized community events that keep Warren County not only connected but inspired.

And beyond the field, the ripple effect is real. Homecoming weekend pours energy and dollars back into the local economy. From small businesses to local vendors, bars, and restaurants, the entire county feels the love. When the alumni come home, not only the players on the field wins, but everybody wins.

WCS Alumni Association donating to WCHS CTE program. / Credit: WCSAA

But, this is what it looks like when alumni become advocates, when hometown pride becomes purpose, and when legacy meets leadership.

To the Warren County Schools Alumni Association: Thank you for reminding us that homecoming isn’t just where we came from. It’s about who we are.

We are a family bound by pride, purpose, and the power of community, and not by ego.

And, THAT is what makes us the greatest.

——
To join or support the Warren County Schools Alumni Association: Make a Donation.

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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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In honor of Arts in Education week, the WCHS Dynamic Marching Machine were invited to perform on Sept. 18 for staff at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and education leaders like NC Superintendent Mo Green in Raleigh, NC.

Accompanied by WCS Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis and WCHS principal Dr. Lionel Kato, the students took center stage on the Halifax Mall and wowed the audience with a high-energy performance that left a lasting impression with onlookers.

If you missed the performance or want to live it, check it out!

For more information about the Dynamic Marching Machine and their next move, visit WCHSBands.org.

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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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