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TAHEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation will host the annual Little Miss and Mister Cherokee Contest August 6 and 8. The Little Miss and Mister Cherokee Contest is held annually in conjunction with the Cherokee National Holiday.

The Little Miss and Mister Cherokee Contest will have two separate age divisions. The contest for boys and girls ages 4-5 and ages 6-7 will be held on Tuesday, August 6. The contest for boys and girls ages 8-9 and ages 10-12 will be held Thursday, August 8.

The contest will be held in the W.W. Keeler Complex Tribal Council Chambers. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and judging will begin at 6:00 p.m. Contestants will be judged on Cherokee attire, Cherokee History, Cherokee traditions, knowledge, poise and personality.

Judges will choose one male and one female winner, and first and second place runners up in each age category. The crowning ceremonies will begin immediately after the competition and refreshments will be served. The judges' decisions are final.

Contest participants must provide a copy of their Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card with their registration form. Contest participant's parent's CDIB card will not be accepted.

Registration forms are available at the W. W. Keeler Tribal Complex. Registration fee is $5 must be paid with cash or money order. Personal checks will not be accepted. Entry forms must be completed and postmarked or hand-delivered by 5:00 p.m. on July 26. If mailing, send to Sharon Walters, Career Services, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74465.

For more information, contact Walters, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2527) or Nita Wilson, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2865). Or call toll free1-800-256-0671.

The Cherokee Nation celebrates the Cherokee National Holiday every year over Labor Day weekend. The theme of this year's celebration is "Building One Fire." This is the 50th anniversary of the Cherokee National Holiday, which is expected to bring more than 80,000 visitors and Cherokees to Tahlequah. The annual holiday commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution of Sept. 6, 1839.

For more information on the Cherokee National Holiday contact Lou Slagle phone: 918-456-0671 (ext. 2544) or toll free: 1-800-256-0671 (ext. 2544), and visit the Cherokee Nation website.