Choctaw Nation prepares for another crowd-pleasing Labor Day Festival

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma invites everyone to attend this year’s Choctaw Labor Day Festival from August 30 through September 1.

In this month’s issue of the Biskinik, we bring you a preview of this year’s festival, giving you details on what to expect so you can plan your perfect festival trip.

For many years, the Choctaw people have gathered on the grounds of the Choctaw Capitol during Labor Day weekend to celebrate family, fellowship together and honor Choctaw traditions.

Labor Day weekend will be an opportunity for visitors to fellowship and honor Choctaw traditions, with three days of faith, family, and culture for all ages.

The annual event, held at Tvshka Homma on the grounds of the historic Choctaw Capitol, is southeastern Oklahoma’s largest gathering.

Here is a guide to what to expect at this year’s festival.

CULTURE

Choctaw Village- Experience cultural activities and games at the Choctaw Village. Find out more about what to expect at this year’s Village on page 8 of the Biskinik.

Chahta Cab- This on-the-spot Choctaw language game is similar to the popular game show Cash Cab. You never know if you will be chosen to participate, so it’s a good idea to brush up on your Chahta Anumpa skills before you head out to the festival.

Quilt Show- Throughout the weekend, the Tribal Membership Building will be the venue for this competition, and you can check out beautiful, handmade quilts.
Gourd Dancing- Join in on the dance or enjoy watching the magic happen on Friday, August 30 from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. on the Capitol Lawn.

Eternal Heart Unveiling Ceremony- Join the Choctaw Nation on Friday, August 30, at 1 p.m. for the newest sculpture art unveiling at the Council House. This sculpture honors the relationship between the Choctaw Nation and the people of Ireland. The project was funded jointly by the Choctaw Nation and the Government of Ireland. Samuel Stitt, of Spokane Valley, Washington, a member of the Choctaw Nation, created the sculpture, combining a Celtic trinity shape intertwined with a heart.

Chief’s Welcome Ceremony- Chief Gary Batton will give a welcome speech and State of the Nation preview prior to the princess pageant at the Amphitheater at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 30.
Princess and Royalty Pageant- On Friday, August 30, at 6 p.m., contestants from each district in the Choctaw Nation who have won in their districts will vie to become the Little Miss, Junior Miss or Miss Choctaw Nation.

Buffalo Tours- Throughout the weekend, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., See the Choctaw Nation’s majestic buffalo herd grazing in the beautiful hills outside the festival grounds. These tours depart from the Capitol Museum. Look for the buses behind the museum.

Children’s Service- A special message of faith tailored for young guests will be held on Sunday, September 1, in the Chapel from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. A parent or guardian must accompany the children.

Worship Services- Worship services are open to all festival attendees on Sunday, September 1, in the Chapel from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Choctaw Code Talker Association Board Meeting- Association members meet yearly at the Choctaw Labor Day Festival. Join this year’s meeting on Sunday, September 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Museum.

Traditional Choctaw Hymn Singing- Learn traditional Choctaw hymns and join in the singing on Sunday, September 1, at 7 p.m.

Arts and Crafts Building- Don’t forget to check out the Arts and Crafts Building. Here you can buy art and goods from Choctaw Artists and soak in some much needed air conditioning.

ENTERTAINMENT

Gospel Singing- Enjoy songs of praise from local artist from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

The Close- The Close is a collective of introspective lyricists who pen genre-blending melodies wrapped in stellar harmonies. Choctaw tribal member Lori Rowton, Shannon Walker and James Mckinney share songwriting and lead vocals, originally from Tushka, Oklahoma. Watch them play on Saturday, August 31 at 6 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

Joey Green- Choctaw artist Joey Green has seen tremendous success since appearing on NBC’s The Voice. Watch him play on Saturday, August 31 at 6:45 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

Rhett Akins- American country music singer and songwriter Rhett Akins continues the evening’s entertainment with his hits. Watch him play Saturday, August 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

Rodney Atkins- Rodney Atkins has sold over 14 million records, multiple No. 1 singles, and over 1.5 billion on-demand streams. Watch him play Saturday, August 31 at 9 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

Gold City- Don’t miss gospel quartet music at its finest with Gold City. Watch them play Sunday, September 1 at 6 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

Jason Crabb- Don’t miss GRAMMY award-winning Jason Crabb as he ministers through his powerhouse performance. Watch him play Sunday, September 1 at 7 p.m. at the
Amphitheater.

Casting Crowns- Finish up the festival by listening to a favorite returning Christian group, Casting Crowns. Watch them play Sunday, September 1 at 8:30 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

Wristband Drawing- Children 12 and younger whose parents register them and receive a wristband (in the event of a lost child) will have the opportunity to win a $100 Visa gift card. Get signed up at the Lost Child Tent.

Mobile Library- All weekend long, the Mobile Library is chance for our young readers to enjoy a good book on the playground. Check it out all three days from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the playground.

Youth Crafts- Younger festival goers make traditional Choctaw crafts and learn the stories behind them. Check it out Friday, August 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the playground.

Carnival- Check out this crowd favoirte attraction for carnival rides, games, food and more from 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.

SPORTS

Cornhole Tournament- Teams of two compete in this popular bag toss game (Beginners and Advanced Brackets). Check it out at Red Warrior Park Friday,  August 30, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Stickball Tournament- Also known as Little Brother of War, stickball is a fast-paced, exciting game that has ancient roots in Choctaw culture. Teams from across Oklahoma and Mississippi will compete for the title. Check it out Friday, August 30-Sunday, September 1 at the Stickball field.

Youth Physical Fitness Challenge- Young festival guests compete in tests of physical fitness at Red Warrior Park from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, August  30.

Fast Pitch Softball Tournament- Teams from across Oklahoma and Mississippi compete to win the championship. Check it out Friday, August 30-Sunday, September 1 at Red Warrior Park.

5k- A morning run through the beautiful area around the capitol grounds. The run begins and ends at the Capitol Museum. Check it out Saturday, August 31 from 7 a.m.-10 a.m.

Co-Ed Volleyball- Watch volleyball teams as they compete for the championship from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Red Warrior Park.

Horseshoes Tournament- Teams compete in this classic toss game for the championship. Watch Saturday, August 31, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Red Warrior Park.

Bow Shoot (Youth)- Young competitors use traditional long bows to shoot 3-D targets. Check it out from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. in the Choctaw Village on Saturday, August 31.

Bow Shoot (Adult)- Older competitors use traditional Choctaw long bows to shoot at 3-D targets. Check it out from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. in the Choctaw Village on Sunday, September 1.

Fittest Warrior- Watch as the best of the best compete for this physical fitness title. Watch from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, August 31 in Red Warrior Park.

War Hoops- Watch 3-on-3 basketball teams compete in this exciting tournament Saturday, August 31, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Red Warrior Park.

Tough Tough Contest- A popular strength challenge for men and women. Watch or participate from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Red Warrior Park.

Dominos/Checkers Tournament- Participants play to win the championship in this highly competitive tournament. Check it out Sunday, September 1, from 1 p.m.-7 p.m.

For more details check out the Labor Day website.

Readers can also, TEXT “LABORDAY” TO 888777 for updates.

Christian Toews

Acedyn Willis practices his stickball skills between games at 2023 Labor Day Festival.

Shelia Kirven

Two pageant contestants smile at each other backstage at the 2023 Princess Pageant.

Christian Toews

Jacaius Willis goes down the slide at the carnival.