"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Gospel and Bluegrass Singing At Holiday

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday is a great place to hear the sounds of bluegrass and gospel singing over the Labor Day weekend in Tahlequah.

“Each year the gospel singing and bluegrass singing become more and more popular,” said Janie Carey, event coordinator. “The singers are wonderful and both events are great places to fellowship with old friends. I encourage everyone to join us over the holiday weekend.”

The gospel singing will take place on Friday, August 29, at 6 p.m. and on Saturday, August 30, the gospel singing will begin at 4:30 p.m. Singers for Saturday’s event include Norman Carey and Friends, Johnson and Linda Ross, Jack Kingfisher and Family, Visionary and the Lively Stones.

A praise and worship service will be held on Sunday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Sequoyah Schools chapel. Todd Dowty will be ministering the service.

Spectators might also enjoy, a bluegrass/gospel singing that will take place on Sunday, August 31, at 1 p.m.

“If you are interested in taking part in our bluegrass singing, give me a call,” said Carey. “We would love to have you.”

The gospel and bluegrass singings will take place west of the Cherokee Nation complex under the red, white and blue tent. The tribal complex is located three miles south of Tahlequah on U.S. highway 62.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute to 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.

Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is "di ni yo tli u na li s de lv do di, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children's Future."

“In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Smith.

For more information or if you are interested in singing at one of the events, contact Janie Carey, phone: 918-506-4081.