"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Revs Up for Car and Bike Show

"Visitors to the Cherokee National Holiday’s annual Car and Bike Show enjoy the unique and colorful vehicles on display. This year’s Car and Bike Show is expected to attract more than 150 entries from several states."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - It’s once again time to start your engines and cruise into the 6th Annual Car and Bike Show held in conjunction with the 55th Annual Cherokee National Holiday. The Car and Bike show will take place on Saturday, September 1, east of the Cherokee Nation Complex.

“The Car and Bike Show is just one of many events that the Cherokee Nation will be hosting during the holiday,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “This event becomes more popular year after year and I encourage everyone to attend.”

Contestants who pre-register on or before Friday, August 31 will pay a discounted $10 entry fee. The fee will increase to $15 on the day of the car show. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The first 150 registrants will receive a dash plaque.

“The goal of the Car and Bike Show is to add variety to the number of activities that take place during the Cherokee National Holiday,” said Justin Godwin, event coordinator. “Last year we had almost 150 entries and have made improvements in our car and motorcycle classes this year. Because the event becomes more popular year after year, we will have a shade tent and extra restrooms for visitors.”

Awards will be presented to first and second place winners in each of the 46 categories. In addition, 15 special awards will be presented.

“We have a lot going on throughout the day,” said Godwin. “There will be door prizes, goody bags and a 50/50 drawing. We will even have a Little Miss Car and Bike Show activity. There’s a little something for everyone at this event,” said Godwin.

In concurrence with the Car and Bike Show, the 3rd Annual Open Header Night will take place on Saturday, September 1 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cruise lineup will begin at the grounds of the Car and Bike Show and cruisers will be escorted through downtown Tahlequah by police.

“This is our third year of the open header cruise and it just keeps getting bigger,” said Godwin. “I appreciate everyone coming out and making the event such a success. I encourage all of our Car and Bike Show participants to take part in this aspect of the event. It’s really a lot of fun.”

The theme of this year’s Cherokee National Holiday is “Common Values, Common Ground,” in commemoration of the rich history of the Cherokee Nation, which spans 169 years 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 Smith. “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 about the 6th Annual Car and Bike Show contact Justin Godwin by phone: 918-453-5245 or by email: carshow@cherokee.org.