"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Celebrate Fall With Festival

TAHLEQUAH, OK - In celebration of all things autumn, the Cherokee Nation will host the 5th Annual Fall Festival/Health and Safety Fair, on Wednesday, October 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the James Danielson Children’s Village, located south of Tahlequah.

“The festival is just an alternative to trick-or-treating,” said Norma Harvey, Public Education Coordinator. “This is our fifth year to host the event and every year the festival gets a little better.”

The festival will offer carnival-style booths and activities such as a bean toss and basketball throw that all of the children in attendance can enjoy. The event is open to the public. Please, no scary costumes. In the event of rain, the festival will be rescheduled for Friday, November 2.

“I really encourage all of the parents and caregivers to come out and take part in the festival,” said Harvey. “It’s a great way to have a great time with your child and an innovative way of becoming involved in your child’s learning environment.”

The mission of the Cherokee Nation’s Early Childhood Unit is to enable each child to develop to his or her fullest potential. The program was initiated to promote school readiness for preschoolers through education, nutrition and social services.

Currently, the Cherokee Nation operates 35 centers, providing services to 680 Head Start children. Also, the Cherokee Nation operates one Home-Based Early Head Start Program and 8 Early Head Start centers, providing services to 75 children. Program eligibility requirements include guidelines set by the Head Start Act, a child's birth certification, immunization record and social security number.

For more information contact Norma Harvey, phone: 918-453-5757 (ext.7641).