Social dancing has long been a tradition of the Choctaw people. During the Labor Day Festival, dancers invite spectators to join in on the fun and participate in dances like the Snake Dance.
2022 Labor Day Festival Choctaw Village Activities
October 1, 2022
Photo by Kendra Germany-Wall<br>Newly crowned Miss Choctaw Nation, Haleigh Gibson, gets stolen and twirled during the Stealing Partners dance at the Choctaw Village. In the past, the Stealing Partners Dance was important in courtship. Today the dance still allows younger generations to get to know one another.
Photo by Chris Jennings<br>Stacy Shepherd smiles as she participates in the social dancing at the Choctaw Village.
Photo by Kendra Germany-Wall<br>All ages were encouraged to participate in the Choctaw Social Dancing, an event that is a crowd favorite.
Photo by Chris Jennings<br>As social dancing gets underway, green grass, long dresses and plenty of smiles are on display.
Photo by Kellie Matherly<br>Paula Carney and family have fun together at the Choctaw Village.
Photo by Rylee Tollett<br>Visitors learn traditional Choctaw pottery at the Choctaw Village.
Photo by Rylee Tollett<br>Visitors learn more about the history and preservation of Choctaw heirloom crops.
Photo by Kellie Matherly<br>Karen Downen, with Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation, demonstrates traditional Choctaw pottery making.
Photo by Kellie Matherly<br>Karen Downen, with Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation, demonstrates traditional Choctaw pottery making.
Mia Reich, age 14, Wright City, won first place in the girl's 13-17 division
Ross Green helps Taylor Komalty 8 of Mill Creek, Oklahoma, who won first place in her age group.
Isaac Clark age 14 of Antlers, won first place and Titus Daughtry age 14 of Carthage, Texas, won second place in the boys 13-17 division.
Marissa Island age 10 of Lawton (center) won first place; Elijah Tushka, age 11 of Idabel (left), won second place and Luke Parker age 12 of Carthage, Texas, won third place in the 9-12 division.
Pictured are the winners of the women's bow shoot. First place, Naomi Willhite (center), Second Place, Valerie Underwood (right) and Third Place, Ruth Willhite (left).
Pictured are the winners of the men's bowshoot. First place, Scott Spears (center), Second Place, Chris Charboneau (left) and Third Place, Shawn Walls (right).