The Annual Old-Fashioned Picnic

The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club will host their annual friendship event on May 17, 2025

Get ready for a day filled with history, tradition, and fun! The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club is bringing its much-loved Old-Fashioned Picnic and Cultural Hog Fry to a brand-new venue this year. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17, 2025, as the festivities unfold at Will Rogers Stampede Park near Claremore Lake.

Annual Event to be Held May 17

With free admission and a schedule packed with activities, this annual event welcomes families, history buffs, and community members alike to experience the rich Cherokee heritage that the Pocahontas Club has proudly preserved since 1899.

The day kicks off at 9 a.m., with gates opening to a lineup of traditional Native games that provide both entertainment and a glimpse into Cherokee history. Demonstrations begin at 10 a.m., showcasing Cherokee marbles, corn stalk shoots, hatchet throwing, and blowgun accuracy. This event allows both young and old attendees an opportunity to experience some of the most traditional games played by the Cherokee over hundreds of years. The games have long been important component for young Cherokees learning the ways of community interaction.

Traditional Cherokee Cuisine

No Cherokee celebration is complete without authentic traditional cuisine. Guests can enjoy an on-site hog fry served alongside beans, fry bread, and a delicious helping of strawberry shortcake for dessert. While admission is free, there will be a fee of $10.00 per plate for the traditional hog fry meal and a $5.00 fee for the fresh strawberry shortcake.

Visitors can explore a vibrant marketplace of Cherokee vendors, offering handcrafted goods, jewelry, and cultural keepsakes. Adding to the excitement, the event will welcome Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. as a special guest, emphasizing the event’s significance in celebrating tribal heritage.

Something Old, Something New

This year marks an exciting collaboration between the Pocahontas Club, the City of Claremore, and the PRCA Rodeo. Though not officially part of the rodeo, the picnic serves as a perfect kickoff to the PRCA action at Stampede Park, bringing even more visitors and enthusiasm to the venue.

Since its inception in 1899, the Pocahontas Club’s picnic has grown, yet its core mission remains unchanged—preserving Cherokee traditions while fostering a strong sense of community. “It’s amazing to think back on how it’s changed, but what hasn’t changed is the theme of unity in our community,” said Debra West, administrator of the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club.

So grab your lawn chairs, bring your family, and join them for a day of history, culture, and good old-fashioned fun!

For vendor inquiries, contact Cindy Evans at 918.264.4351.