Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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PARK HILL, OKLAHOMA – On Saturday, June 4, sports enthusiasts will have an opportunity to show off their athletic abilities during the first of a two-part series of Cherokee Games. On June 4, a blowgun shoot and cornstalk shoot competition will be held, and on Sept. 24, marbles, stickball and chunkey will be played.

Spectators and players are both welcome to attend the games beginning at 10 a.m. Thanks to a contribution from the Gannett Foundation, cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in each competition.

The cornstalk shoot goes back to a time when Cherokee hunters and warriors competed for accuracy with their bow and arrow. To keep the tips of the arrows from breaking, participants shot through a large bank of dried cornstalks. Today the game is played in much the same way. Approximately 200 cornstalks, about three feet long, are laid down to create a target wall one foot thick. Two of these targets are placed 80 to 100 yards apart. Participants must stand in front of a target and take one shot at the other target with their handmade bow. One point is scored for each cornstalk the arrow penetrates.

Blowguns are usually made from rivercane, which is similar to bamboo and collected in early spring. A long, hot rod is inserted in the tip of the rivercane to remove the membrane and hollow the cane. Darts for this six to eight-foot long gun are typically made of Bois d’arc and thistle down. Traditionally, the blowgun was used for hunting small game. Although blowguns are still used for hunting, they are primarily reserved for demonstration and competitions. Competitors shoot at a target approximately 20 yards away. Points are determined by the dart’s proximity to the bull’s-eye.

For registration or information on Cherokee Games, please call Tonia Hogner-Weavel, phone: 918-456-6007, call toll free: 888-999-6007, or send e-mail to education@cherokeeheritage.org.

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