"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Seeks Entries for Holiday Parade

"**Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith greets visitors during the 2007 Cherokee National Holiday parade in downtown Tahlequah.**"

TAHLEQUAH, OK - It’s time to strike up the band and enter the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday Parade, to be held on Saturday, August 30, at 9:30 a.m., in downtown Tahlequah.

“We want everyone to come out and join us for the parade this year. In the past, we’ve had a lot of great marching bands and floats for everyone to enjoy,” said Cindy Bullett, event coordinator. “The parade is a great place for the family to hang out and have a good time.”

Categories for this year’s parade include: float, vehicle, marching band/other marching unit, business/church/civic organization and Cherokee Nation employee entry. Prizes will be awarded in each division.

The lineup will begin at 7 a.m., the day of the event, at 807 E. Crafton, on the corner of St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Tahlequah.

The deadline to register is Monday, August 25, at 5 p.m. There is no cost to enter.

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 or for a registration form, contact Cindy Bullett, phone: 918-453-5310 or by email: cindy-bullett@cherokee.org.