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PARK HILL, OKLAHOMA – Vendor applications are now being accepted for the Third Annual Kanuche Festival Oct. 9 and 10 at the Cherokee Heritage Center. The festival, presented by the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and the Cherokee Heritage Center, will feature live entertainment, food, storytelling, an Arts and Crafts Festival, Kanuche-making demonstrations with sample tasting and an “exotic” chili cookoff.

Arts, food and crafts vendors are encouraged to participate in this festival. Each year attendance and community involvement increase providing an excellent opportunity for vendors to sell holiday product. Last year’s Kanuche Festival greeted more than 3,000 visitors and more are expected this year.

Arts and Crafts booths are $50 for a 10x10 space. Due to a lack of electrical outlets only 4 food vendors will be permitted, and space is filling up fast. Food vendor space is $150 for a 20x20 space.

The Cherokee Heritage Center is a natural draw for visitors during the fall months, making it an ideal location for such a festival. The center is located on 44 heavily wooded acres where the fall foliage enhances the quaint activities of the weekend.

People from miles around come to Tahlequah each fall to view the foliage. These travelers frequently enjoy the natural beauty of the facility and naturally gravitate to the on-going festival.

In addition to the numerous activities and the surrounding beauty, the traditional Cherokee food, Kanuche, brings many visitors both inquisitive and anxious to learn about this uncommon food.

Kanuche is a traditional food made with hickory nuts. A kanuche ball is approximately the size of a baseball and is made from the meat of hickory nuts. A ball this size makes approximately one and a half gallons of Kanuche. It commonly takes 150 hickory nuts to make a Kanuche ball. The ball is cooked in water to form a broth. The recipe can vary after that; some cooks prefer to serve it with hominy, and others use rice.

Event hours are Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 10 from 10 to 4 p.m. For more information and vendor applications, please call Victoria Hamm, phone: 918-456-6007. Early registration is suggested as space is quickly running out.

Related Cherokee Nation 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