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FORT GIBSON, OKLAHOMA - The new Cherokee Casino in Fort Gibson will hold a grand opening on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The new facility, located just east of the Arkansas River on the north side of Highway 62, features more than 160 electronic gaming machines and employs 37 people.

During the grand opening, the Cherokee Casino will offer free hot dogs, free soft drinks and free Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, as well as drawings each hour for a trip inside the Multimedia Whirlwind Money Machine.

"We just want people to come out, look at the new facility and have a good time", Stewart said David Stewart, President and CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE), which operates Cherokee Casino. "The new facility offers a great entertainment opportunity for the people in this area."

"The Cherokee Nation contributes greatly to the economic well-being of this area and with the new facility they are adding even more jobs", said Sue Harris, president of the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, which will participate in the grand opening. "This is a welcome addition to the local economy."

CNE is a tribally owned corporation of the Cherokee Nation. CNE employs more than 1000 people in northeastern Oklahoma and operates gaming facilities in Roland, West Siloam Springs, Catoosa and Fort Gibson as well as convenience stores, smoke shops, a gift shop and a golf course.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org