Oklahoma Indian Summer

Oklahoma Indian Summer Festival, northeast Oklahoma’s premier Native American festival, is currently looking for artists and vendors for the 2012 festival, scheduled Thursday-Saturday, September 20-22, 2012 at the Bartlesville Community Center located at the corner of Cherokee Ave. and Adams Blvd. in Bartlesville, OK.

Oklahoma Indian Summer, the state’s largest intertribal event and cultural exchange, features a pow wow with both competitive and non-competitive dancing on Friday and Saturday and a juried Native American and Western Art Show and Market, showcasing the talents of more than 30 artists. Additionally 20-30 arts and craft vendors are also asked to join the event outside, making for a unique and dynamic festival.

According to Festival Director Jenifer Pechonick, over 14,000 visitors from across the state and beyond take part in Oklahoma Indian Summer annually.

“In 2000 the Oklahoma Tourism Industry Association selected the festival as the Outstanding Event of the year” she says, noting the 2011 Indian Summer Festival was also a contender for “Outstanding Event” Redbud award from Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation.

She says vendors typically feature arts, crafts, games and decorations which reflect the Native American theme of the festival, and notes interested parties do not have to have a CDIB card.

Pechonick says as usual arts and crafts vendors will play a very important part of the festival experience.

“We are looking for some unique vendors to join us in making this year’s event the best yet” she said.

“We’re happy many of our artists and craft vendors return year after year, but we have space available.” The deadline for vendor and concession submittals is July 15th. The fee covers all three days of the festival and includes electricity.

“We have visitors come from all over Oklahoma and the surrounding states to enjoy the fest,” she said.

“We’d invite everyone to come be a part of Oklahoma Indian Summer.” Applications may be obtained on the festival’s website and should be sent to: Oklahoma Indian Summer Festival, P.O. Box 3455, Bartlesville, OK 74006.

For Further Information. Interested teachers, artists, concessionaires and vendors should contact Jenifer Pechonick, festival director, at (918) 331-0934 or e-mail jeniferp917@aol.com.

Web Site: www.okindiansummer.org