OKMULGEE, Okla. — The 49th Annual Muscogee Nation Festival Elder Gathering will take place at the Claude Cox Omniplex on June 20. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with activities starting at 9 a.m., and the event will end at 1 p.m.
Previously called Senior Citizen Activities, the annual event is now named the Elder Gathering to reflect the community nature of the event. According to MCN Adult Protective Specialist April Harley (Mvskoke), it’s a time for elders to socialize. “They don’t necessarily have to enter a game or a contest, we just want all of our Mvskoke elders to come together,” Harley said.
Activities throughout the day include a photo booth, over 70 door prizes, basketball free throw, golf pong, dominoes, arts and crafts, and ring toss. This year also sees changes in game play– games will be played in teams of two. For example, the new game “golf pong” will be played in teams of two men or two women.
“It’s going to bring them together to play together because all the other sports, such as softball you play together. So I’m trying to get them to partner and play together,” Harley explained.
This year will also see changes to the contests offered. The gathering has added a fry bread contest and a woodwork contest. Anything made from wood, like boxes, ball sticks, and toys can be entered. According to Harley, they even have an entry for antlers. Sofke, quiltwork, bead work, and art are also contest categories. After the winners of the sofke contest have been announced, all the sofke will be enjoyed.
Harley encourages elders to register for the different contests before the event. Harley explained that while elders can have more than one item displayed, only one item can be entered and judged.
“It doesn’t matter when they made them. If they made it 20 years ago, that’s fine. We want everyone to be acknowledged. We want to see what our elders are doing, what do they do and we want to showcase them,” Harley said.
The registration form has a “Tell Your Story” section, which is open to what the elder wants to share. For example, it can be “How did you learn your craft?” or “Describe the item.” During lunch, which is provided, they are planning to read the stories aloud.
“We’re trying to make it more social and acknowledge the elders that we do have,” Harley said.
A grand exit by the volunteer motorcycle group, the Mvskoke Riders will finish the afternoon.
Harley enjoys having everything ready for the elders. Since she works for MCN Adult Protective Services, she wants elders to feel safe and that means preparing the site for safety.
“I like planning events and we’re open to suggestions and how we can do better next year. Because next year will be the 50th,” Harley said.
For more information contact April Harley at 918-549-2776 or aprharley@muscogeenation.com
do we have to register ahead of time?
Hello Agnes, registration will begin at 8 a.m. on the day of the Elder Gathering on June 20th at the Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee.
Can we bring our non tribal spouse?
Can I bring my non tribal spouse?