Choctaw Indian Fair
The Choctaw Indian Fair is held annually the second week in July.
For centuries the Mississippi Choctaws have gathered at the ripening of the first corn. This gathering was called “The New Corn Ceremony” or “Green Corn Festival.” The present day Choctaw Indian Fair has roots in this ancient celebration. The Fair has long been a time for Choctaws to gather and pay homage to their traditions and heritage but it has also emerged as an opportunity for the Tribe to welcome visitors to the reservation and share their way of life.
Choctaw ancestors have left behind a rich legacy that includes:
| Basketry | Beadwork |
| Clothing | Dancing |
| Drumming | Foods |
| Hunting | Language |
| Legends | Pottery |
| Quilting | Stickball |
| Striking Sticks |
The tribe traces the beginning of the present series of Annual Fairs to 1949. By this reckoning we are enjoying the 57th observance. But there is word to the contrary in an article in the October, 1950, Neshoba Democrat whose headline proclaims, "Indian Fair is Tremendous Success; First Held in Number of Years".
The Princess pageant did not become part of the Fair until 1955 when Patsy Sam (Buffington) reigned as the official first princess.
Nashville style country music became part of the fair as a contribution by some entertainers in the mid-1960's. They felt that the Choctaws were doing a great show for themselves and the public, so why shouldn't the Choctaws be entertained by some music folk. Many artists made this free Saturday night contribution over the years Chet Atkins, Connie Smith, Lester Flatt, Mac Wiseman, Jerry Reed, Johnny Gimble, Pig Robbins, Merle Travis. In the 70's the country music shows were expanded by adding paid performers on the last three nights of the Fair, so that top acts headline the activities nowadays.
The Fair also helped stimulate Choctaw dancing so that today the program each morning and afternoon includes dancers from many communities. Dance groups are regularly hired now to perform away from the reservation. The dances themselves, like stickball, are authentic expressions of the very ancient Choctaw culture.
For more information about the Choctaw Indian Fair, please click here to view our website.
