Heritage Celebration starts this weekend 12th annual celebration’s purpose is to educate the general public about Native American traditions and cultures Augusta The Redhawk Native American Arts Council will host the first of four Native American Celebrations on July 10 and 11 called “Native People of the Lower Hudson Valley” at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, in Augusta. For a decade, this location has served as the site for the “Sussex County Native American Heritage Celebration” - a family friendly festival with more than 1,000 artists, performers and educators from across the Americas demonstrating the finest in Native American song, dance, drumming, food, art and crafts. Organizers said the mission of the events is to educate the general public about Native American traditions and cultures, and to help break stereotypes about Native Americans. The highlight every year is the dancing, when Native Americans from across the country showcase their different styles. In contest powwows, the dancers are judged on their outfits, their dancing ability and how they tell a story with their dance. Some of the categories are: Men’s Fancy War: With a circle of eagle feathers on their backs, they spin furiously Woman’s Fancy Shawl: With shawls draped across their shoulders, they appear to float Men’s Northern Traditional: The dancers tell stories of past hunts and battles Women’s Jingle Dress: They make the sound of a gentle rain falling to the earth Hoop Dancers: a magical dance creating animal shapes as the dance with small hoops In honor of the indigenous people hailing from outside of the U.S. there will also be a Polynesian dance troupe representing through dance cultures from the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand, an Aztec group from Mexico City and Inca groups from Peru and Ecuador. Other highlights of the event include authentic cuisine: buffalo burgers, venison stew, corn soup and fry bread, and the opportunity to interact with tribes like the Sioux, Navajo, Winnebago, Cherokee and Mohawk. Many of the artists have journeyed across the continent to showcase and sell their paintings, carvings, pottery, beadwork, jewelry and leatherwork. The family friendly event also features a live bird of prey exhibit, pony rides and tipi raising. Call 973-447-0648 or 718 686-9297 for more information.