"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Traditional Foods Cook-Off

Fried hog is just one of the traditional foods that visitors can sample during the Traditional Indian Food Cook-Off at the 65th Annual Cherokee National Holiday to be held in Tahlequah over Labor Day weekend.

TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation is seeking entries for the Traditional Indian Food Cook-Off that will take place on Saturday, August 30, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., west of the Cherokee Nation Complex. The competition is being held in conjunction with the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday held in Tahlequah over the Labor Day weekend.

“I encourage anyone who enjoys cooking traditional Indian foods to enter this competition,” said Pam Bakke, event coordinator. “The Food Cook-off is a lot of fun and a wonderful opportunity for spectators to come by and enjoy some traditional food.”

Cash prizes will be awarded for first through fourth place and the fifth place team will receive a jacket for each team member.

The contest is limited to 10 teams consisting of four team members. The deadline to enter the competition is Thursday, August 14, at 5 p.m. Each member of the team must have a current food handler’s card and a copy of all cards must be sent with the registration form. Team members must be 18 years of age or older. Each team should designate a chief cook to be responsible for the conduct of the team. All dishes must be cooked on site the day of the cook-off from “scratch.” Each team must prepare enough food for 35 people. Teams must provide all ingredients, except for the pork. Menu for the contest will consist of hog meat, pinto beans, fry bread, a vegetable dish and dumplings. Teams may bring their own fire wood but can use the wood that will be available in site.

The public may purchase a plate of food after for the competition for $6 dollars per plate.

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 and a complete list of rules, contact Pam Bakke, phone: 918-453-5347 or Annette Stinnett, phone: 918-207-3879.