Autumn Celebrations Planned in Chickasaw Country

Pumpkin patches, children’s activities and plenty of food and fun are planned for two autumn celebrations in Sulphur and Emet Saturday, Oct. 19.

Chickasaw Cultural Center Fall Fest

Traditional food, games and fun will be the focus of the annual Fall Festival, set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur.

This special autumn celebration will feature a children’s pumpkin patch, stomp dancing, storytelling, and Chickasaw language and cultural demonstrations. Traditional Chickasaw food will include roasted corn, pashofa, fry bread, grape dumplings and much more. The food will be available to sample throughout the day.

Living history performers in the traditional “living village” will portray Chickasaw life as it was in the 1750s and the whole family can participate in interactive activities including stick ball, horticulture booths, traditional games and archery.

In addition, a Chickasaw author will be on hand for a book signing, and the Eagle Adventure exhibit opens. Based on the children’s Eagle Books, the Eagle Adventure exhibit features fun activities for the entire family and includes type 2 diabetes prevention information. The activities begin Oct. 16 and continue through Dec. 27.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center Fall Festival is free and open to the public.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center is located at 867 Charles Cooper Memorial Road in Sulphur. For more information, please visit http://www.chickasawculturalcenter.com or call (580) 622-7130.

Harvest Fest at Chickasaw White House in Emet

The 2013 Harvest Fest is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Chickasaw White House in Emet.

The free event offers the attendees a chance to step back into the early 1900s with food and activities exemplifying the lives of Chickasaw Nation Governor Douglas H. Johnston and his family

Festivities include carriage rides, crafts, children’s activities, old-time fiddling by “The Boggy River Bluegrass Band” and gunfights by “The Oklahombres.”

Lunch will be provided.

Tours of the White House will also be available throughout the day.

The Chickasaw White House is located at the north edge of Emet, 10 miles east of Tishomingo, Okla.

For more information, please call (580) 371-9835.

Several other events are planned for the upcoming months at the Cultural Center, including Multi Tribal Day, Nov. 2; Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 9-11; Thanksgiving Celebration Nov. 22-24; and Christmas Celebration, Dec. 7.