56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday offers fun for all ages, indoors and out
The Blowgun competition is just one of the many traditional Native games that visitors can enjoy during the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday over the Labor Day weekend. TAHLEQUAH, OK — The 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday is a great place to take the family and enjoy the sights and sounds of the cultures and traditions of the Cherokee people. The Holiday will take place this year from Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31, in and around Tahlequah, Okla., capitol of the Cherokee Nation.
“The Cherokee National Holiday has a little something for everyone,” said Lou Slagle, Cherokee National Holiday director. “We have competitive games, arts and crafts, music, a car show, events for the kids and a lot of delicious food. I encourage all of you to come out and join us.”
The 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday is a great place to find fun for the whole family, especially for children, and several children’s events are on tap.
Children can play on the oversized inflatable toys at the Children’s Fun Days, or take part in the Children’s Fishing Derby that will be held on Saturday, August 30, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the pond east of the Cherokee Nation complex. There is no cost to participate.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Cherokee Round Robin, on Saturday, August 30, from 1 to 5 p.m., west of the Cherokee Nation complex. The event allows participants the opportunity to learn Cherokee arts and crafts such as basket weaving and making corn husk dolls.
On Sunday, August 31, all visitors can enjoy a Free Feed, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the cafeteria of Sequoyah Schools. The event is open to the public.
Other outdoor events over the weekend include the downtown parade, Principal Chief Chad Smith’s annual State of the Nation address, arts and crafts, several sporting events including the traditional Native games play-offs on Sunday, traditional foods cook-off, gospel singing, bingo, a car and bike Show and even a fireworks show.
Although Labor Day weekend typically brings hot weather, many Cherokee National Holiday events are in-doors and offer a way for visitors to beat the heat.
Fiddlers Contest
A Fiddlers Contest will be held on Saturday, August 30, at 1 p.m., in the Talking Leaves Job Corp gym. Admission is free to the public.
Quilt Show
A Quilt Show will be held on Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, August 31, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the old gym of Sequoyah Schools. Admission is $1 dollar.
Art Show
The Cherokee National Holiday Art Show entries will be exhibited on Friday, August 29, from 1 to 10 p.m., Saturday, August 30, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Tahlequah Municipal Armory Center, located at 100 S. Water Street.
There is no admission fee to enter the show. An award ceremony and reception will be held on Friday, August 29, at 6 p.m.
Elder Fun Day
An Elder Fun Day will be held on Saturday, August 30, from 12 to 6 p.m., in the Community Room located behind the Restaurant of the Cherokees.
The event is open to persons 50 years of age and older and is a great place for elders to cool off and socialize with old friends. Several fun activities will be offered, such as a crazy hat contest, and awards will be presented to the winners.
History Exhibit and Seminary Hall Tour
Visitors might also enjoy a tour of historic Seminary Hall on Saturday, August 30, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Northeastern State University or a Cherokee National Holiday History Exhibit that will take place on Friday, August 29, at 4 p.m., west of the Cherokee Nation Complex, on Saturday, August 30, from 1 to 7 p.m., at Seminary Hall and on Sunday, August 31, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Seminary Hall. Seminary Hall is the original building used for the Cherokee National Female Seminary before Oklahoma statehood.
In addition to these indoor activities, the Holiday will also offer a cooling/first-aid station and even a health fair for visitors to receive health information and blood-pressure checks.
The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute to the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world.
Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is "di ni yo tli u na li s de lv do di, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children's Future."
“In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Smith.