Byline: Kaylea Berry/Reporter
Morgan Taylor/Multimedia
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The first annual Gathering of Muscogee Nation Chartered Communities takes place Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee, Okla.
JR Wind, Community Research & Development Community Specialist, explained, “the purpose of the event is to show appreciation for all the communities for what they do for their citizens within their boundaries.” This is also an opportunity for everyone to fellowship, have fun, and share ideas for the communities.
There will be live music, Indian Elvis, games, the first Super Chief Wiffle Ball Classic, food vendors, and prizes.
Okemah Indian Community’s very own Chairman, Famous Marshall, and his band Bedrock will be performing. Indian Elvis will throw the first pitch for the Super Chief Wiffle Ball Classic between the MCN Chartered Community Board members vs. MCN National Council Representatives. There will be horseshoe, cornhole, and dominoes tournaments as well.
The food vendors are Jo Jo’s Q and Tacos Sonora. Each citizen will get a ticket to choose a meal from either of the vendors.
Citizens have the chance to participate in a meet and greet with first responders, including Lighthorse, Wilson and Twin Hills Volunteer Fire Departments, and EMSA. They will bring emergency vehicles for kids and adults to look at or walk through. Also, Tribal Construction will have some of its big trucks on display.
Kids can play on the bounce house (courtesy of Dewar Indian Community), splash pad, or participate in other games available. There will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.
“We’re also encouraging the communities to bring their vans out and to decorate them to showcase their community history,” said Wind.
The event is open to all Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens and is free.
Wind explained, “We want people to come out and have fun and not worry about spending money.” He also said, “We’ll have door prizes to give away throughout the day.”
The ultimate goal is to get more community involvement, show what the community centers can do when citizens attend the meetings, and what activities can occur throughout the year.
Please get in touch with the CR&D Program to see which local chartered community you are eligible to join if you’re interested in joining one. Call 918-732-7963 or go online to access a local directory. (https://www.muscogeenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/communitydir.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1jkDbGniqBQhm7QXO5aVImjo7DcoxZjiUe7EnJTQCymyKuZKw445WquKU)
