Choctaw Indian Fair set for July 14-17

The Choctaw Indian Fair is back with its 71st edition July 14-17 with the theme “The Choctaw Spirit Lives On.”

Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben said the fair is a time of homecoming and celebration after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is our comeback year and we are ready to welcome everyone to enjoy the Choctaw spirit this summer,” he said.

Scheduled artists on the main stage this year are:

• Jimmie Allen, Thursday, July 15

• Zach Williams, Friday, July 16

• Brett Young, Saturday, July 17. 

The fair did not happen in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will be back in full swing this year,  said Misty Brescia, director of public information for the Tribe. 

Everything that usually happens at the fair is planned to happen this year, Brescia said. “People can expect what they’ve seen in the past, along with a few extra surprises.”

Ben said the Tribe is excited to host the fair once again.

“Last year, with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, many events worldwide were canceled and unfortunately our fair was one of those,” Ben said. 

“Over the course of the last year, we have adjusted to a new normal and implemented safety practices and protocols on Choctaw Tribal Lands.”

Brescia encouraged people to make plans now to celebrate the fair that will include social celebrations, cultural activities, arts and crafts demonstrations, stickball tournaments and professional nightly entertainment. 

Other events at the fair include the carnival and midway, 66th Annual Choctaw Indian Princess Pageant, Iron Warrior Competition, Entertainment House, a reptile walk-through experience and more. 

Season tickets are $20 for adults 18 and older and $12 for a single day. 

Season tickets for students ages 6-17 are $10 and $7 for a single day. 

Tickets are free to Tribal senior citizens 57 and older and children ages five or younger. 

“We hope people will come out to the fair this year and that everyone is excited,” Brescia said. 

The fair gates will open at 11 a.m. on July 14. 

For more information, visit the Choctaw Indian Fair on Facebook or the website at choctawindianfair.com.