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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Visitors to the 55th Annual Cherokee National Holiday will have an opportunity to enjoy traditional Cherokee food as the Cherokee Nation once again hosts its popular Free Feed. The meal will be offered on Sunday, September 2, at 1 p.m., under the gospel singing tent west of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. “We feed anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people every year at this event,” said Shirley Ross, Free Feed coordinator. “We’ll keep feeding people until the food is gone. I hope everyone will come by and take the opportunity to sample some delicious Cherokee foods, as well as some non-traditional goodies.” The Free Feed is a traditional hog fry that will include fried hog meat, beans, fry bread, potatoes, hominy, corn and deserts such as grape dumplings, cookies, fruit and brownies. The event is free to the public. Drinks are not provided. The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world. This year’s theme is “Common Values, Common Ground,” in commemoration of the 169 years of rich history the Cherokee Nation has in what is now Oklahoma, and the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma’s statehood. “This theme is a tribute to the partnership that exists between the Cherokee Nation and the great state of Oklahoma.” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Throughout the years we have worked together to create better and stronger communities all over the state. This year’s theme of ‘Common Values, Common Ground’ reiterates the importance of the continuation of this relationship for the betterment of Cherokee citizens and our Oklahoma neighbors. In our partnerships with the state and community organizations all across Oklahoma we can help to create a better Oklahoma for everyone.” For more information contact Shirley Ross, phone: 918-453-5581.

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