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2019 Red Fern Festival

​"Always the Last Weekend in April"

About the Festival 

​Let the adventure begin! According to legend, an angel has to plant the seed of the red fern, and so wherever there is a red fern, it marks something very admirable and special. Many folks that make Tahlequah and Northeast Oklahoma their home feel a special connection to the area. Whether it's been touched by angels, divine intervention, or it's part of God's plan, whatever it is, there is something special about Tahlequah. 

So when people ask, why is it called the Red Fern Festival? The answer is, it is a celebration of life in a special place that has a unique spirit like none other. 

Tahlequah, Indian Territory was established as the Cherokee capital in 1839 after the end of the Trail of Tears. In 1843 the town was surveyed and the first main street in what would later become Oklahoma was realized. 

When visiting Tahlequah we hope you take your time, stroll down the first main street in Oklahoma. Visit Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River, they will be waking up after a long winter's rest. Let it sink in and you too may feel the spirit of the Red Fern. 

Register to volunteer

2019 Schedule

April 26 - Friday
12:00 PM - Downtown Arts, Crafts, and Food Vendors - Downtown
4:00 PM - Kids Zone - Norris Park
6:00 PM - Concert in the Park featuring Katelyn Myers and Osage County - Norris Park 
7:00 PM - Coon Hunt

​April 27 - Saturday
8:00 AM - Fly In - Tahlequah City airport
9:00 AM - Car Show - Cherokee Square
​9:00 AM - Downtown Arts, Crafts, and Food Vendors- Downtown
10:00 AM - Movie screening (2003) - Tahlequah City Library
10:00 AM - Hound Dog Field Trials - Sequoyah Park
10:00 AM - Kids Zone - Norris Park
11:00 AM - Chili cook off- NSU Jazz Lab Parking Lot
1:00  PM - Miss Red Fern pageant- NSU Jazz Lab
2:00 PM -  Movie screening (1974)- Tahlequah City Library
4:00  PM - Rubber Duck race - Sequoyah Park
5:00 PM - Concert in the Park featuring Doc Fell & Co. and Ragland- Norris Park

​All dates and times are subject to change

VENDORS

VENDORS Registration Form

The maps below represents available vendor space, both food and retail. You can expand the map by clicking in the upper right-hand corner. To view the legend click in the upper left-hand corner. ​

Food Vendors

Food vendor registration form

This map marks food vendors locations. You can expand the map by clicking in the upper right-hand corner. To view the legend click in the upper left-hand corner. 

Miss Red Fern Pageant

Registration will begin at 12 pm for 3-5 age group Registration will begin at 12:30 PM for 6-9 age group Age groups: age is determined as of day of the pageant: 3-5 years, 6-9 years. Admission to the pageant will be free​
​Registration fee: $35

​Categories
Beauty: A winner will be crowned in each age group and will receive a crown and flowers. · Attire for category: Sunday’s best, semi-natural hair and make-up.
Favorite storybook character: there will be a winner crowned in each age group that will receive a crown and flowers.
· Attire for category: dress as her favorite storybook character. Each girl will be asked to explain why it is her favorite storybook character on stage.
Talent (optional): a winner will be crowned for each age group that will receive a crown and flowers.
· Attire for category: contestant’s choice of attire.

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Register Online Here!

Coon Hunt and Field Trials

Coon Hunt - Friday April 26, 2019
Presented by the Green Country Coon Hunters Association

6:00 PM - Bench Show, entry fee $10.00
8:00 PM - Nite Hunt, entry fee $18.00

Location: From east side of Tahlequah on the Bertha Parker by-pass 62, 82, 10 and 51 junction, go north 3.3 mi. on Hwy. 82 to log cabin store. Turn east, go 1/2 mi. Turn north, go 2/10 mi. Signs posted. - (See map)

Hound Dog Field Trials
The Hound Dog Field Trials will be held on Park Avenue right behind the Armory Municipal Center, at 201 E. Delaware Street.  Registration is at 10 am Saturday morning.
​
Contact: Robert Ryals Jr. 
​Phone: 918-822-8888

Car Show

5C's Car Show 
The 5C's Car Show is back again. Located on the Cherokee Square in Downtown Tahlequah. Original and modified automobiles from decades past come together on April 27th for all to see. 
Show entries are judged by paid professionals chosen from area auto body shops and garages. Entries compete in 32 categories, including original and modified cars, original and modified trucks, Mustangs, Rat Rods, and muscle cars. Each category awards first and second prizes. 
The 5C's Car Show gives visitors and car enthusiasts the opportunity to visit with show participants.

If shiny chrome, boss paint jobs and the cherry rides are your thing, you won't want to miss Red Fern Festival's 5C's Cruisin' Classic Car Show.
​
"These folks put so much time and effort into their vehicles, and absolutely love to share that enthusiasm with others," said Jon Edwards, 5C's club president. 
Take a stroll back in time and revisit old memories at the 5C's Car Show.

Call Jon Edwards at 918-822-0074 or email at jonedwards@5ccarclub.com to register. 

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Chili-Cook off 

All Proceeds will be donated to the Cherokee County Angel Tree! 
Tickets are $5.00 at the festival. 

Register your world famous chili here!

Red Fern Shopping Days

Downtown Tahlequah is home to wide variety of mom and pop shop's. Felts Family Shoe Store has been in business downtown for 79 years. Not far behind is Morgan's Bakery, they opened their doors in 1948. There's a bike shop, barber shops, brewing and grilling supplies, jewelry stores, a men's clothing store, western wear, boot repair, skateboards, fine art galleries, a jazz lab and a playhouse, cookware and acupuncture, bacon & eggs, burgers and steaks, coffee and tea, something healthy if you please, nutrition specialists, gaming gurus, boutiques, and wedding gowns and something for prom, a place to pawn, places to eat, places to drink and a place to buy things made in Tahlequah. All unique and different in their own special way. Most importantly they are all locally owned. 
Shop and Dine in beautiful historic downtown Tahlequah during Red Fern Shopping Days, you'll be glad you did.