Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cherokee baskets on display during the Cherokee National Holiday.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Registration is now open for the Cherokee National Holiday Run. This year’s event includes a 5-kilometer competitive run and a one-mile fun run. The event will be held at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex on U.S. Highway 62 on Saturday, September 1. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the run begins at 7:30. For more information, call 918-456-0671 (ext. 2615).

Entries for the Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Contest and Show will be accepted until 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 1. Quilts will be on display in the Cherokee County Community Building in Tahlequah between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 1.

The event is an open quilt, viewers’ choice contest, in which visitors may vote on their favorite quilts. Votes will be counted at 4 p.m. and winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Winners will receive ribbons and honorable mention ribbons. All quilts must be picked up by 5 p.m. that evening. Persons entering a quilt are encouraged to call Barbara Buckner, phone: 918-453-0233 to reserve a space.

The Cherokee National Holiday Old-Time Fiddler’s Contest is scheduled Saturday, September 1, as part of the 49th Annual Cherokee National Holiday. The contest will be held at the Talking Leaves Job Corps facility, approximately ½ mile south of the recently constructed Cherokee Nation Emergency Medical Services building. Competition will kick off at 11:00 A.M. and run until all contestants have performed and prizes have been awarded. Registration will begin at 10:30 A.M. at the contest site.

The format of the contest will be similar to last years contest. Fiddlers that wish to compete need to be aware of the rules for the different divisions. A “Championship / Professional” division was added last year, as well as, requirements for proof of Indian Blood for certain categories.

The categories and requirements for the contest follow: "Novice", Ages 17 and Under, Proof of Indian Blood not required; "Cherokee Open / Amateur”, Age 18 – 54, Must have Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), “Cherokee Senior", Age 55 and Older, Must have Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB). Additionally, professional musicians or fiddlers that placed first at last year’s contest in the Amateur or Senior Division, or has placed first in any Fiddling contest since that time must compete in the "Championship / Professional" division.

The "Championship / Professional" division was added to allow competition at a higher level. All participants are allowed to compete in the "Championship / Professional" category and there is no Proof of Indian Blood required.

Prize money and a trophy will be awarded for First through Third in each division except the "Championship / Professional" division, will have prize money and a trophy for First and Second. Entry fee will be $5.00 and is non refundable.

For more information on the fiddling contest, contact David Cole, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext. 2673) or 800-256-0671 (ext. 2673).