TAHLEQUAH — The 56th annual Cherokee National Holiday offers families the sights and sounds of the cultures and traditions of the Cherokee people. The holiday will take place Friday through Sunday in and around Tahlequah.

“The Cherokee National Holiday has a little something for everyone,” Lou Slagle, Cherokee National Holiday director, said in a media release. “We have competitive games, arts and crafts, music, a car show, events for the kids and a lot of delicious food.”

Children can play on the oversized inflatable toys at the Children’s Fun Days, or take part in the Children’s Fishing Derby that will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at the pond east of the Cherokee Nation complex. There is no cost.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the Cherokee Round Robin from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, west of the Cherokee Nation complex. The event allows participants the opportunity to learn Cherokee arts and crafts such as basket weaving and making corn husk dolls.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, all visitors can enjoy a Free Feed in the cafeteria of Sequoyah Schools. The event is open to the public.

Other outdoor events over the weekend include the downtown parade, Principal Chief Chad Smith’s annual State of the Nation address, arts and crafts, several sporting events including the traditional Native games play-offs on Sunday, traditional foods cook-off, gospel singing, bingo, a car and bike show and even a fireworks show.

Although Labor Day weekend typically brings hot weather, many Cherokee National Holiday events are indoors and offer a way for visitors to beat the heat.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute to the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world.

Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is “di ni yo tli u na li s de lv do di, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children’s Future.”

“In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” Smith said.