Liiholiitoblichi! -"Let's Celebrate!"- 2011 Theme
Chickasaw people, culture and traditions will be celebrated during the 51th Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and 23nd annual Chickasaw Festival, which kicks off Saturday, Sept. 24 and culminates Saturday, October 1.
The 2011 theme is Liiholiitoblichi, meaning "Let's Celebrate".
"Chickasaws from all walks of life have contributed to the success of the Chickasaw Nation," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "From unprecedented growth in our economy to revitalization of our language and culture we have many reasons to celebrate as we gather with family and friends for this annual event."
Activities for the week-long celebration are scheduled in Tishomingo, Ada, Emet, and Sulphur. Many exciting events are planned such as Cultural Evening, Art Show and Market, Annual Meeting, cultural events, entertainment, games, fellowship and more.
Annual Meeting, Oct. 1.
Governor Anoatubby will deliver the State of the Nation address during the Annual Meeting at 9 a.m., Saturday, October 1, at Fletcher Auditorium on the campus of Murray State College in Tishomingo.
Immediately following Governor's address, the Festival Parade will march down Tishomingo's Main Street.
Stickball, 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 Southeastern Art Show and Market will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the west Capitol grounds. A Chickasaw Press book signing will be conducted until 5:30 p.m. in the same location.
A traditional meal will be served and a free health fair will begin at 11:45 a.m. on the MSC lawn.
A petting zoo, kid'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.
The day will end with the Johnston County Riding Club Rodeo at the Tishomingo Tee Pee Arena, beginning at 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 24 Activities
Several activities, including the annual Junior Olympics, Golf Tournament, Traditional Corn Stalk Shoot and Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, kick-off the week-long celebration Saturday, Sept. 24.
Junior Olympics, where tiny tots compete in track and field events, begin 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 the Tishomingo Golf Course, the Traditional Corn Stalk Shoot will begin at 9 a.m. at Kullihoma Softball Field and the Co-ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament begins at 9 a.m. at the Murray State College Sports Complex.
The Chickasaw Senior Olympics will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at Tishomingo's Pennington Park Saturday, Sept. 24.
Many exciting events and activities will be conducted throughout the Chickasaw Nation the week of the festival.
Chickasaw Museum tours, cultural demonstrations, youthful celebration, a petting zoo and kids' activities will be available from Tuesday, Sept. 27 through Friday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Tishomingo at the Capitol grounds and Pennington Park.
The Chickasaw Cultural Center, in Sulphur, will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Tours and art exhibits will be conducted throughout the day.
The Chickasaw-produced feature film "Pearl" will be shown at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Anoli Theater.
The Chickasaw White House in Emet, Okla., will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
Princess Pageant
The Chickasaw Nation Princess Pageant will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26 at the Ada Cougar Activity Center. Three Chickasaw young ladies will be selected as 2011-2012 Chickasaw royalty during the pageant.
Cultural Evening
The annual Chickasaw Cultural Evening is set from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur.
A stomp dance demonstration, a concert of Chickasaw and Choctaw hymns, a Children's language club performance, cultural demonstrations, stickball demonstration and children's activity tent are planned for the evening. A free evening meal will also be served.
Arts and Cultural Awards
The annual Arts and Culture Awards will take place Thursday, Sept. 29 at the MSC Ballroom at 6 p.m., with an artist reception/book signing immediately following the ceremony.
The Southeastern Art Show and Market will open Friday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A complete listing of events, locations and schedules is available online at Chickasaw.net/annualmeeting.
For more information, contact the Chickasaw Festival office at (580) 371-2040 or 1 (800) 593-3356.
