Annual Chickasaw Festival begins Sept. 26

The proud story of the Chickasaw people will be shared with citizens from all around the Chickasaw Nation during the 49th Annual Meeting of the Chickasaw Nation and the 21st Annual Chickasaw Festival, which kicks off Saturday, Sept. 26 and culminates October 3.

“Our Story Continues” is the theme of this year’s event. The theme reflects the Chickasaw Nation’s proud history and bright future.

“Our culture and history come to life for all Chickasaws and our neighbors during the Annual Meeting and Festival,” said Governor Bill Anoatubby.

Activities and events which celebrate Chickasaw heritage, history and traditions will be featured at different venues throughout the Chickasaw Nation, including the cities of Tishomingo and Ada, the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur and WinStar Golf Course in Thackerville.

Gov. Anoatubby will deliver the State of the Nation address during the Annual Meeting 9 a.m. Saturday, October 3 at Fletcher Auditorium on the campus of Murray State College in Tishomingo.

Immediately following the address, Tishomingo’s Main Street will be the scene of the Festival Parade, one of the largest parades in the area, including high school bands and organizations from around the state.

A Chickasaw traditional meal will be served at 11:30 a.m. on the Murray State College lawn. A health fair will also begin at 11:30.

A petting zoo, children’s activities and a “make and take tent” will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Tishomingo’s Pennington Park. Horseshoe Tournament registration begins at noon at Pennington Park, and arts and crafts and food vendors will be located at the park from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Stickball, Chickasaw Dance Troupe and cultural demonstrations will be conducted on the west side of the Chickasaw Nation Capitol grounds, along with a Gospel Singing from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The day will end with the Johnston County Riding Club Rodeo at the Tishomingo Tee Pee Arena, beginning at 8 p.m.

Several activities, including the annual Junior Olympics, Golf Tournament and Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, kick off the week-long celebration Saturday, Sept. 26. The Junior Olympics, where little ones compete in several fun track and field events, begins at 9 a.m., at the Tishomingo High School Football Field.

Golf Tournament registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and play begins at 9 a.m. at WinStar Golf Course, Thackerville. The Softball Tournament begins at 9 a.m. at the Murray State College Sports Complex.

A wide variety of exciting events and activities will be conducted throughout the Chickasaw Nation the week of the festival.

Chickasaw Museum tours, cultural demonstrations and children’s activities will be conducted Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Tishomingo.

The Chickasaw Nation Princess Pageant will take place 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 at the Ada Cougar Activity Center on the campus of Ada High School. Three Chickasaw young ladies will begin their reigns as 2009-2010 Chickasaw royalty.

The Arts and Culture Awards will be presented 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the new McSwain Theatre in Ada.

The Chickasaw Senior Olympics will be conducted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tishomingo’s Pennington Park Thursday, Oct. 1.

Cultural Day at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, begins 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2.

Lunch will be served at the Aaimpa Café and a “Behind the Scenes” film will be presented at the Anoli Theater. “Pearl” will be shown in the theater at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Storytelling, hymns and the Living History Players will be presented at the Amphitheater from 11:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and cultural demonstrations will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Traditional Village.

Chickasaw artist Mike Larsen’s portraits of Chickasaw elders will be exhibited from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Aattifama Room.

The evening bell will chime at 5:15 p.m. for dinner service at the Traditional Village.

A complete listing of events, locations and schedules is available online at www.chickasaw.net.

For more information, contact the Chickasaw Festival office at (580) 371-2040 or 1 (800) 593-3356.

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