Release Date: Monday, May 03, 2010
By Carrie Bradshaw-Buckley , Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Diaper Dash winners: From L to R Gold: Audrey Long of Ada, Okla. Parents: Aaron and Jannason Long - Silver: Easton Bell of Okmulgee, Okla Parents: Tracey and Erin Bell - Bronze: Jaylyn Matchie of Konawa, Okla. Parents: Todd and Kristine Matchie - 4th Place – Sonny Victor of Ada, Okla. Parents: Sean and Cassie Victor.
Five-year-old Mason Holland of Ada, Okla. gets his face painted at the 2010 Children’s Fair. Photo by Marcy A. Gray.
Sara Dobbs of Ada, Okla. displays a traditional Chickasaw dress accented with an intricate beaded collar and finger-woven belt at the 2010 Children’s Fair. Photo by Marcy A. Gray.
Cade Smith, 2, of Ada, Okla. enjoys the petting farm at the 2010 Children’s Fair. Photo by Marcy A. Gray.
Ada, Okla. – More than 2,100 people attended the Chickasaw Nation 2010 Children's Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24 at the Pontotoc County Agri-Plex.
The family-oriented, free event celebrated the Week of the Young Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year's theme of the Week of the Young Child was Early Years are Learning Years.
"This event is a great opportunity for the community to join together for a fun event with a purpose," said Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. "It is inspiring to see everyone making a contribution toward a better future for our children."
Allen native Ramona Walker, who has been coming to the fair for the last eight years, said that the event is "getting bigger and better" every year.
"They have got more stuff for kids to enjoy and you see all kinds of activities," said the 53-year-old grandmother of six.
The best part of the fair, according to Walker, was the entertainment, which included the Chepota Chikashshanompoli (Children's Chickasaw Language Club) singing "Take me to ball game" in Chickasaw language. Walker's grandchildren were among the performers.
Some of the other featured events were: performances by the Child Development Center, Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe, martial arts demonstration, a talent showcase, two fashion shows displaying traditional Native American as well as contemporary clothing, the annual diaper dash and many more.
The event also featured prizes, information booths, food, rides, a petting farm, face painting and many other activities throughout the day.
