American Indian Exposition
The American Indian Exposition, held annually during the first full week in August at the Caddo County Fairgrounds in Anadarko, Oklahoma, is one of the oldest and largest intertribal gatherings in the United States. Sponsored by fifteen tribes (Apache, Arapaho, Caddo, Cheyenne, Comanche, Delaware, Fort Sill Apache, Iowa, Kiowa, Osage, Otoe-Missouri, Pawnee, Ponca, Sac & Fox, and Wichita), representatives from up to fifty other tribes participate in any given year.
The Exposition began with the All-Indian Fair first held in 1924. In 1935 it was incorporated as the American Indian Exposition with the stated purpose of "promoting and retaining Indian cultural life, handicrafts, arts, crafts, and farming and livestock skills by providing a yearly showcase".
The Exposition features a week-long program of dance contests, parades, pageants (Indian Princess, Prettiest Baby), sporting events (horse racing, All-Indian golf, bowling, etc.), as well as arts and crafts contests. The fairgrounds also provides camping accommodations for the participants. Nearby is the Southern Plains Indian Museum,the American Indian Hall of Fame, and Indian City USA.
External links
- Library of Congress
- Anadarko Indian Expo
- Anadark Chamber of Commerce
- Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture - American Indian Exposition
Coordinates: 35°04′32″N 98°13′49″W / 35.07556°N 98.23028°W