Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Tahlequah, Oklahoma - Tahlequah residents are likely to feel the ground shake and hear a boisterous roar Sept. 22 as approximately 600 motorcyclists reach their final destination and make their way through the streets of town. Residents are asked to greet the parade of bikes as they make their way downtown at approximately 2 p.m.

The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride, now in its tenth year, began as a way to honor the overwhelming number of displaced peoples who traveled on the Trail of Tears so many years ago. It is now the largest organized motorcycle ride in the United States. The 855-mile ride will begin Friday, Sept. 19 in Chattanooga, Tenn., and riders will make their way to Tahlequah, the end of the Trail of Tears, and arrive at the Cherokee Heritage Center after their ride through town.

Like the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride, the Cherokee Heritage Center is devoted to preserving and promoting the culture of those who traveled the Trail of Tears and will therefore host many activities to help celebrate Cherokee culture. All activities are open to the public.

The event begins at 2:30 p.m. with the dedication of a historical marker. After a welcome presentation for the riders, Cherokee artists will be available for autographs and demonstrations of artwork from 3 to 6 p.m. Artwork will be available for purchase.

The Pumpkin Hollow Boys, a local Cherokee band, will kick off the evening festivities at 4 p.m. in the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater with a variety of music styles. A hog fry dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and will include a variety of traditional Cherokee food. From 7 to 10 p.m. in the Ancient Village, guests will be enchanted by a Cherokee storyteller who will illustrate the oral stories which have been handed down through many generations. Stories include myths and legends that are humorous, sacred and traditional. Guest will also have the opportunity to view a Cherokee stompdance.

Tickets for all of the evening activities may be purchased upon arrival and are $10 per person for the general public. Guests are also invited to spend the night in the Ancient Village for a fee. Visit the information table in the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater for more details.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the riders will spend the day in Tahlequah enjoying scenic rides, Illinois River float trips, historic downtown tours and Cherokee Heritage Center museum and village tours.

For more information on this and other Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Rides, as well as reservations, tours and overnight visits at the Cherokee Heritage Center, call 918-456-6007, call toll free 888-999-6007, and visit the CHC web site.