McALESTER — On Aug. 30, Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival and Intertribal Pow Wow will kick off at 7 p.m. with Choctaw Nation Princess Pageant and will end on Sept. 3 with State of the Nation Address to be given by Chief Gregory E. Pyle at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds at Tvshka Homma.

“The Intertribal Pow Wow will begin Friday at 7 p.m. with the Grand Entry,” Bret Moss with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “It will feature colorful Native American dancers from several tribes – a true sight to see.”

 In a press release from the Choctaw Nation Chief Pyle said, “Halito (hello)! Assistant Chief Gary Batton, the Tribal Council and I want to invite you to join us for the annual Labor Day Festival at the beautiful Capitol of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma –Tvshka Homma.”

“The event opens on Thursday, Aug. 30, with the Choctaw Nation Princess Pageant in the amphitheater and four more fun-filled days follow.”

“The Capitol grounds are transformed with events geared for all ages and all interests – an Intertribal Pow Wow, Art Show, arts and crafts, free concerts and a carnival, with all rides free.”

“A 5k run starts early Saturday morning and there are fitness challenges for both adults and youth.”

“We are excited to have the stickball tournament on the schedule again this year as well as the other popular tournaments – fastpitch, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and golf.”

“The Choctaw Village will be filled with cultural activities on Saturday and Sunday.”

“The Traditional Choctaw Village will give patrons an interactive lesson about Choctaw past while demonstrating flint napping, weapon making, dancing, pottery and more,: Moss said. “You and your family can enjoy dancing with our Choctaw dancers and getting your hands dirty while making arrowheads.”

 “We hope you enjoy learning about basket weaving, pottery, traditional clothing and beadwork, dancing, making arrowheads and trying traditional Choctaw food such as banaha or pashofa. There will also be a wide variety of food vendors and a number of options available in the cafeteria.”

“Ma e chi pisa chike (We will see you there)!”

The Friday night admission free concerts will be at the Tvshka Homma Amphitheater.

“This year’s concert line up is outstanding, with Hankerin’ 4 Hank kicking off the entertainment on Friday, followed by superstars Sarah Evans and Josh Turner,” Moss said. “Saturday will feature Ricky Skaggs and Martina McBride, with Sunday boasting a long lineup of gospel singing through the day and Christian artists, The Kingsmen, Brit Nicole and Newsboys later that night.”

McAlester’s Theresa Renegar said among some of the local artists she will be at the event selling jewelry that she hand crafts. Renegar is a known and authentic Choctaw artist. Renegar’s jewelry is featured locally and Renegar tours her pieces throughout not only the Choctaw and Native American art shows, but the region.

According to the BIZNIK’s Bret Moss, concerts are free admission, no alcohol or drugs allowed on Choctaw Sacred Grounds.

He said Choctaw’s must register at the Information booth for door prizes to be given away on Sept. 3 that will be announced following the State of the Nation Address. Those who registered for prizes, must be present, must be a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and 18 or over to be eligible to win.

Tvshka Homma can be found going west on U.S. Highway 270, then south on State Highway 63, then south on State Highway 2, then east on to Weatherford Road, and then south on County Road 4355. Tvshka Homma is southeast of Wilburton, near Tuskahoma, a few miles east of Sardis Lake.

 “We are blessed to have tremendous neighbors in the towns and communities across the Choctaw Nation,” Pyle said. “Hosting an enjoyable festival for all to come and attend is one way that we can show our appreciation.”

Pyle said everyone is welcome to attend, and fun can be found for all ages at the Choctaw Capital Grounds in Tvshka Homma.

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