Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation will hold a traditional Indian food cook-off on Saturday, September 3 as part of the 53rd annual Cherokee National Holiday activities.

"Last year there were only two entries and only one team cooked," said Pam Bakke, event coordinator. "We are looking for more participation so people can learn about and taste traditional foods."

The deadline to register for the cook-off is Friday, August 19 at 5 p.m. There is no entry fee, but participants must pre-register. The cook-off is limited to the first 10 teams. Teams should have four team members. The four-member teams will cook a basic menu of meat (pork), pinto beans, kanuche and fry bread, the teams’ choice of one vegetable dish (potatoes, squash, corn or other vegetable) and one type of dumplings (grape, blackberry, strawberry, huckleberry or other) for dessert. Each team will cook enough food for at least 30 people.

The chief cook from each team should arrive at noon the day of the cook-off to sign in and receive final instructions.

Judges will select winners based on aroma, appearance and taste. Following the judging at 5 p.m., the public will be able to purchase a plate of food for $6. The food will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The Cherokee Nation will award prizes to first, second and third place winners.

For more information on the traditional Indian food cook-off or for official rules, contact Pam Bakke, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2347) or 800-256-0671 (ext.2347).

The Cherokee Nation celebrates its National Holiday every year over Labor Day weekend, in observance of the signing of the Cherokee Nation constitution. This year’s Holiday theme, "Celebrating the Great State of Sequoyah," commemorates Indian Territory and the state that almost was.

For more information on the Cherokee National Holiday contact Lou Slagle, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2544) and/or visit the Cherokee Nation web site.

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