"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Vendors Sought for Cherokee National Holiday

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Arts and crafts and food vendors are invited to set up at various locations for the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday held over Labor Day weekend in Tahlequah.

“The holiday weekend is a great place to showcase your work,” said Jolinda LaRue, event coordinator. “I would encourage vendors to take advantage of this opportunity. Visitors come from all over to take part in the festivities and the holiday is a great place to build a client base for artists.”

Arts and craft vendors will be open to the public west of the complex on Friday, August 29, from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, August 30, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, August 31, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors will be set up at the Heritage Center, on Friday August 29 through Sunday, August 31, at 10 a.m. Vendors set up at the Cherokee Nation Courthouse square will be available on Saturday, August 30, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Food booths during the Inter-Tribal Pow-wow will be set up and open for business at the Cherokee Nation cultural grounds from 5 p.m. to midnight on August 29, and from 2 p.m. to midnight on August 30.

“We especially have a need for food vendors at the cultural grounds,” said Lou Slagle, Holiday Director. “The powwow is a great place to set up a food booth.”

Booth space is limited. The cost for a 10 x 10 booth will vary depending on locations.

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 about reserving a booth on the courthouse square or for prices, contact Rhonda Cochran, phone: 918-687-0201, for the Cherokee Heritage Center location contact Rebecca Adair, phone: 918-456-6007 or for vendor space west of the complex contact Jolinda LaRue, phone: 918-207-3870. Food vendors who are interested in setting up at the cultural grounds should contact Lou Slagle, phone: 918-453-5536.