By Dana Hudspeth, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Our story continues 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.
The theme of this year's event, “Our Story Continues," reflects on the Chickasaw Nation's proud history and bright future.
"Our culture and history comes to life for all Chickasaws and our neighbors during the Annual Meeting and Festival," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby.
Activities and events which celebrate Chickasaw heritage, history and customs 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.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill 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 (MSC) 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 traditional meal will be served and a health fair will begin at 11:30 a.m. on the Murray State College lawn.
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 also be located at the park from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Stickball, dance troupe and cultural demonstrations will be available 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 Win Star Golf Course, Thackerville, and 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 where three Chickasaw young ladies will begin their reign as 2009-2010 Chickasaw royalty.
The Arts and Culture Awards will take place 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the new McSwain Theatre. 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 with lunch service at the Aaimpa Café and a "Behind the Scenes" film presentation at the Anoli Theater. "Pearl" will be shown in the theater at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 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 work 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 here.
For more information, contact the Chickasaw Festival office at (580) 371-2040 or 1 (800) 593-3356.
