Okla Chahta Clan of CA Inc

Trip to Oklahoma for Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival

Expect to leave from Bakersfield on Wednesday August 27, 2003 as early as possible but no later than 10:00am.

Expect to be in the Vans for 2 - 12 hours days each way. We will drive from Bakersfield to Albuquerque, NM the first day and spend the night resting for about 7 hours, eat breakfast and getting back on the road Arriving in Poteau, OK about 10pm Thursday night. If you wish tent camping is available, however we will need to know ASAP to get space reserved.

Expect rest stops to accommodate for bathroom and meals, as we have passengers this year from young kids  to our Elders.

Expect to stop at fast food eateries along the way, however if you have special dietary needs (or just want to) you are invited to bring your own food, if you wish. In the past we have had people bring every thing from fried chicken, sandwich meat to chips and dips. We will NOT be stopping at restaurants as it takes to much time.

Expect the weather in Oklahoma to be very hot, humid and sticky and expect to be out in it.

Expect to arrive in Poteau very late on Thursday evening/early am Friday.

Expect that any stops along the way to participate in tourist activities, will only be done if it meets our time schedule to return on time to Bakersfield to return the vans.

Expect there will be NO SMOKING in the vans. All smoking must be done at rest stops.

Expect a lesson on making the Choctaw collar necklace. This is voluntary participation not a requirement.

Expect to leave on time from Oklahoma on our return trip. The vans are rented on a contract and must be returned on time. Therefore we must leave Tushka Homma as close to 1pm on Monday September 1, 2003 as possible. The grand prize give-a-way is done around noon and then the Nation offers a free meal for all that want to enjoy. We MUST leave right after eating.

Expect that if you bring alcohol or drugs they WILL be thrown away, as well as possible expulsion from the vans.

We need at least 2 people to volunteer to help drive, we will need those of you who have offered to help drive to arrive as soon as possible on Wednesday morning, at least by about 9am. We will need to take you with us to put you on the contract as a driver. Rental agents must see your driver’s license. We should have the vans back and ready to load by 10am.

Things to bring if you want

Food: Please bring (or plan to buy along the way at gas/mini marts whatever snacks, drinks or food you will want for your own family. You are not required to bring enough to share, as each person is responsible for his/her own food and drink. Please if you plan to bring drinks you want to ice down expect to share in the purchasing of ice for the shared  ice chests that will be in each van. You can bring whatever food, snacks and beverages (except alcohol) you want.

Luggage: We are taking 15 passenger vans however it is only comfortable to take 11-12 people per van. Please pack light so that there is room for everyone.

Motel: Once in Oklahoma we will be staying at the Best Western Traders Inn in Poteau, OK  When we have made our final selections, we will contact you to let you know the rate and where to call to reserve the room in your name. The rooms will be reserved as a group to get better pricing.

The purpose of Okla Chahta Clan of CA Inc is to preserve, and teach the history, traditions, culture and heritage of the Choctaw people. We encourage each of you to participate in those types of activities and events that have been prepared for everyone at the festival by Chief Pyle, his administration and the Choctaw Nation council, as well as the historical side trips we have planned for you. It is not a requirement of the trip, however. For those who wish not to participate in going on the trip to see various historical sites and have family or friends who will pick you up and drop you off at the festival ground that is fine but expect to spend all day and into the evening there as we make the history trip an all day event coming back to the festival around 10 pm. If you are going on the trip expect to leave early from the hotel and arrive back late. 

Friday:

We will of course have to get some sleep but plan to head for the festival grounds about 11am and spend all day into the late evening at the festival. No one is required to "stick together" while at the festival everyone is invited to "do your own thing". But be available at the designated time to return to the motel each evening. We will have a few walkie talkies to stay in touch. There is lots to see and do at the festival from hundreds of vendors to rides for the kids and concerts and programs.

Some of the areas that we try to visit during the festival;

Fort Towson ~ Doaksville ~ Military Road (where the trail of tears ends) ~ Jones Academy ~ Goodland and Wheelock academy's ~ Ft Smith ~First Chief's house ~Chief Gardner's old house ~ the place the last execution was held and such. Definite plans will be made closer to the date

If we did not get to all the sites we can go again on Sunday, or spend the day at the festival, we will plan this once there and know what we have done and want to do as a group.