Day of the Dead Costume Fiesta Dance & Potluck October 31 If you are interested in an alternative Halloween experience and would like to learn more about another culture and how they celebrate their loved ones who have passed, please join us in Ashe county. This celebration is more about remembrance of those we’ve loved and the joy of life than the sadness of what we have lost. RSVP for directions to our location. We are in Warrensville, NC 20 from West Jefferson and 50 minutes from Boone.
What to Expect
11 AM–3 PM: Children’s activities, treasure hunt, crafts, and family fun.
12–4 PM: Face painting for children and adults (tips appreciated).
2 PM: Children’s storytelling (tentative).
4–6 PM: Community potluck. Posole, rice, and beans will be provided.
6:30 PM: Costume parade followed by gathering at the ancestor altar for remembrance and storytelling.
Evening: Music, dancing, drumming, fellowship, and time around the fire.
Honoring Our Ancestors
A community ofrenda (ancestor altar) will be available throughout the day. Guests are invited to bring photographs, flowers, meaningful keepsakes, or small offerings to honor loved ones who have passed. We will also have an Ancestor Remembrance Tree, where guests can write names or messages on colorful ribbons and tie them to the Tree of Life.
Donations are welcomed or help with our preparations Friday, Saturday or clean-up of the arbor on Sunday.
Day of the Dead Purification Lodge Sunday, November 1 @noon (newcomers arrive at 11am) Maria Night Eyes will be pouring this lodge that celebrates our ancestors who have passed, as well as phases of life that are dying, and even aspects of our lives that should be put to death so that the new can be born. There is a waitlist for this ceremony. RSVP to be added to the waitlist.
Help needed November 2-8 for new changes @ Spirit Canoe Lodge! Some of you may remember the old barn in the photo above. It’s not there anymore and many other changes have happened since. Sometimes we don’t think things are happening very fast but when we look back at things accomplished it doesn’t really seem that long ago. I say this so that many of you reading this can take in all that you have accomplished and not beat yourself up for what you have not yet done :) I often feel this way.
A somewhat massive remodel of the Lodge is beginning November 9th and I need help packing up things in the living room and kitchen. The Lodge is in need of an upgrade. If you are able to come lend a hand you can have nice lodging and meals with me for the week before. Please send me a message here if you’d like to take a time out for a day or two or longer Nov. 2-8 and be of service. We also have plans for an outdoor kitchen to start in 2027!
Winter Solstice Purification Lodge & Potluck December 20, 2026
Join us for the last gathering of 2026 at Spirit Canoe Lodge! Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and a time to slow down our pace. It’s been quite a year and we are all ready to be tucked into winter’s cozy introspective season and stop the external busyness. As nature pulls back we too are urged to pull our energy within. Time is precious and healing. When we align with the seasons, life makes more sense. Potluck gathering post ceremony.
There is no charge for the ceremony. Donations or an energy exchange for Kelly and the fire crew are a necessary part of participation. RSVP to reserve your spot!