Page 24 - Jackpot Magazine Tunica ~ July, 2025

The Choctaw Indian Fair celebrates culture and community July 8-12
CHOCTAW — The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will host the 75th Annual Choctaw Indian Fair July 8-12.
This vibrant celebration of Choctaw heritage features cultural displays, competitions, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The fair, held at the Choctaw Indian Fairgrounds, 101 Industrial Rd., Choctaw, Mississippi, offers a mix of traditional and modern events, showcasing the Tribe’s rich history and welcomes visitors to experience its culture.
Events include but are not limited to:
• Tuesday, July 8: Gospel Night at Ayipa Village — The fair opens with Gospel music starting at 5 p.m. At 8 p.m. the event will move to the Main Stage and
feature Tasha Cobbs Leonard,
Throughout the fair, visitors can explore ongoing attractions, including:
• Village: This area offers food trucks, live performances, and cultural showcases, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy Choctaw cuisine and artistry.
• Midway: A family-friendly zone with carnival rides, classic games, and food vendors, offering thrills and nostalgic fun for all ages.
• Choctaw Social Dancing (Daily, Dance Grounds & CICC Outreach Center): Traditional dances showcase the Tribe’s heritage, inviting spectators to witness vibrant cultural
performing uplifting songs.
• Wednesday, July 9: Choctaw Indian Princess Pageant (Evening, Main Stage) — The 70th annual Choctaw Indian Princess Pageant crowns a new ambassador for the Tribe. Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben will host a special stage ceremony prior to the event. Contestants compete in four segments: an interview, a personal presentation,
Chapel Hart among groups performing at the fair.
expressions.
• World Series Stickball
(Daily, Stickball Field): This ancient Choctaw sport, considered the “granddaddy of all field sports,” features intense matches that highlight athleticism and tradition.
• Little Mr. & Miss Choctaw Indian Fair Pageant: Young participants in age groups (newborn-23
months, 2-4 years, 5-8 years) compete in traditional attire, celebratingthenextgeneration
traditional Choctaw attire, and
an on-stage question. The winner represents the Tribe for a year, engaging with audiences of all ages to promote Choctaw culture.
• Thursday, July 10: Native American Night (Evening, Main Stage) — A new addition to the fair, Native American Night features comedian and actor Tatanka Means and Native Blues musician Indigenous. This event celebrates Native talent with humor and music, highlighting contemporary Indigenous voices.
• Friday, July 11: Country Music Night (Evening, Main Stage) — Country music takes center stage with Mississippi’s own Chapel Hart opening for multi-platinum artist Chris Young. Chapel Hart, known for their soulful harmonies, and Young, a chart-topping country star, promise a high-energy performance for fans.
• Saturday, July 12: Flo Rida Concert (Evening, Main Stage) — The Main Stage closes with a performance by award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter Flo Rida. Known for hits like “Low” and “My House,” Flo Rida will deliver a dynamic show to cap the celebration. The Fair will close out with the Women’s and Men’s World Series Stickball Championship game.
of Choctaw culture.
• Iron Warrior Competition: Competitors tackle eight
obstacles, including steel log carries, yoke carries, tire flips, and truck pulls, vying for the title of Iron Warrior.
• Volleyball Tournament: Held at Choctaw Central High School Gymnasium, this open tournament welcomes players of all skill levels.
• Cornhole Tournament: Open to all participants, this competitive event offers cash prizes for top teams in social and competitive divisions.
• REZRUN 2025: A scenic run through the Choctaw reservation and fairgrounds, open to all runners, promoting fitness and community.
• Watermelon Eating Contest: A fun, public competition where participants race to eat watermelon the fastest, limited to 10 entrants per round.
Adult and student season tickets and day tickets are available. A free shuttle service is available from Pearl River Resort for those booking stays. For full details, and to purchase tickets, visit choctawindianfair.com. Be sure to follow the Choctaw Indian Fair on Facebook for updates.
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