"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Quilters and Quilt Lovers Invited

Tahlequah, OK - As a traditional art form that is both beautiful and practical, the quilt has a special place in the memories of many people. The Cherokee Nation is inviting quilters to showcase their creations during the 57th annual Cherokee National Holiday quilt show to be held over Labor Day weekend in Tahlequah.

Special awards will be given for Best of Show (Grand Prize Award), Principal Chief’s Choice and Deputy Chief’s Choice. First through third place winners in each category will be awarded a ribbon. Quilters have a choice to enter the following categories: hand pieced/hand quilted, machine pieced/hand quilted, machine pieced/machine quilted, youth quilting project, baby quilt, paper pieced appliqué, mixed technique and miscellaneous quilted item.

Entry forms must be completed and received by the show coordinator no later than August 21. All participants agree to leave their entries on display for the duration of the show. There is no cost to enter the show. The quilts will be available for public viewing on Friday, September 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, September 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, September 6 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the old Sequoyah Schools gym.

A special guest, Erwin Hayward, also known as “the scissors guy” will be at the show and available to sharpen scissors, pinking shears, kitchen knives, pocket knives or anything else that needs sharpening.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. With its exciting array of entertainment, cultural and athletic events, it has grown into one of the largest festivals in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world. This year’s theme is E-loh-i nu-s-di-da-nv de-ga-de-la-qua-s-ge-s-di (“I learn from all that I observe”), reflecting the Cherokee Nation’s long held belief in education as a means to uplift individuals and their communities. The 57th Annual Cherokee National Holiday is a smoke-free event.

For more information about the quilt show, please contact Rhonda Stanley, phone: 918-453-5598 or e-mail: rhonda-stanley@cherokee.org.