Red Earth Festival facts for kids
The Red Earth Festival is a special event that celebrates the culture of Native American people. It happens every June in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States. A group called Red Earth, Inc. organizes this festival. This group also used to run the Red Earth Art Center. This art center showed amazing Native American art in downtown Oklahoma City.
History of the Red Earth Festival
The Red Earth Festival began in 1987. At that time, people who loved art wanted to create a place for Native American artists to sell their work. They also wanted to have a powwow, which is a gathering where Native American people celebrate their culture through dancing, singing, and socializing.
The group that started the festival grew from another organization. This older group was called the Center of the American Indian. It was a cultural center and art museum that started in 1978. In 1992, these two groups joined together. They became what we now know as Red Earth.
What Happens at the Festival
The Red Earth Festival is an event that lasts for several days. It usually takes place during the first weekend of June. However, sometimes the dates change. For example, the festival was held in July in 2022. In 2024, it happened in March.
A big part of the festival is its art market. Only Native American artists who are part of official tribes can sell their art here. The festival also has booths for groups that teach people about Native American culture. You can see demonstrations of traditional skills. There are also amazing dance showcases. The festival is held at the Grand Casino Hotel Resort. This place is located east of downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma.
In 2010, about 27,000 people came to enjoy the festival.
External links
- Red Earth, Inc., official website
