Up to 100,000 expected for Cherokee National Holiday

(Tahlequah-AP) -- Up to 100,000 people are expected in northeastern Oklahoma this weekend to celebrate the Cherokee National Holiday. <br><br>The holiday commemorates the 1839 signing of the tribe's

Friday, August 29th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tahlequah-AP) -- Up to 100,000 people are expected in northeastern Oklahoma this weekend to celebrate the Cherokee National Holiday.

The holiday commemorates the 1839 signing of the tribe's constitution following the arrival of tribal members in Oklahoma after marching across the Trail of Tears.

The celebration includes games, a parade and Chief Chad Smith's State of the Nation address.

Gourd dancing at the Cherokee Cultural Grounds kicked off Friday and runs through Sunday.