FIREWORKS
STOMP DANCE
RODEO
GAMES
RIDES
There’s something for everybody at the 44th Annual Muscogee (Creek) Nation Festival — food, games, a parade, a stomp dance and an allNative rodeo, just to name a few. The festival, free for everyone, will be held June 21-24 at the Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee.
from all backgrounds,” says Brian OnTheHill, tourism and recreation project specialist for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
The opening ceremony for the festival kicks off with a traditional stompdance, which draws thousands of people. “It’s a chance to share Muscogee traditions and values with people
After becoming involved with the downtown and Main Street organizations in Okmulgee, as well as the chamber of commerce, the festival became more known. Now the festival
“Ten years ago, the local community thought it was just for Creek people,” OnTheHill says.
draws anywhere from 30,00050,000 people. Other than typical festival or carnival food, there will be individuals, churches and other organizations selling traditional food. You also will find barbecue dishes and homestyle cooking. And yes, the more contemporary takes on Native American food, like Indian tacos, will be there too. However, many don’t know that Indian tacos and the
SHOPPING
frybread that they’re made of are not original Creek fare. They came out of necessity during the removal period. Provisions by the U.S. government allotted flour, and frybread was born. Last year, the rodeo at the Muscogee Nation Festival was the largest all-Native rodeo in the country. This year, expect it to be just as big, if not bigger. Along with the rodeo, the annual parade is another event that is
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