31st annual fair a celebration of Comanche culture

The sight of a row of teepees lining the entry road to the Comanche Nation Tribal Complex this week offers a sight that’s a welcome return for the Numunu Nation: The 31st Annual Comanche Nation Fair.

While events begin with today’s Spirit Ride through the Wichita Mountains, things really kick into gear on Tuesday and don’t stop until next Sunday is over.

The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, 701 NW Ferris, opens its newest exhibit, “Honoring Comanche Royalty,” with a 10 a.m. program. That evening the dance grounds at the tribal complex, 9 miles north of Lawton, will host a 6 p.m. walk to remember the Murdered and Missing Indigenous People.

Following Wednesday night’s Peyote meeting at the tribal complex, Thursday morning kicks off with the annual “Comanche land run” where families stake out their campsites for the rest of the week. Campers need to line up at 8 a.m. at the north entrance of the complex to register campsites. Vendors will also begin setting up at the dance grounds. The Comanche Princess Sorority will host its powwow at 6 p.m. at the dance grounds and at 7 p.m. there will be Comanche hymn singing at Watchetaker Hall.

Flag raisings will be at sunrise each day to follow at the flagpole: Friday, Gene Red Elk; Saturday, Carl Atauvich; and Sundah, Bob Tenequer.

On Friday, you will be able to get carnival wristbands from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Enrollment office. There will be horse riding from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Watchetaker Hall and cornhole will take over there at 7 p.m.

Saturday begins with rations at sunrise from the Fair Board officers. There will not be a buffalo harvest this year; buffalo will be processed and distributed with rations and will be delivered to campsites.

A highlight each year is the Comanche Nation Fair parade that happens at 10 p.m. Madische Road will close at 9 a.m. and there will not be golf carts to transport visitors to the fairgrounds once the road close. The road will reopen following the parade’s end.

An art show in the Code Talkers Room at the complex will and a meet and greet with this year’s special guest, Moses Brings Plenty, will follow the parade. An elders dance will be at 7 p.m. at Watchetaker Hall.

A spirit walk begins Sunday activities at 8 a.m. at the flagpole. Sunday church services will be at 11 a.m. with a dinner to follow at Watchetaker Hall. A handgame tournament will follow the feeding at 2 p.m.

There will be a 1 p.m. bow and arrow presentation at the Code Talker Room.

The Comanche Nation Fair powwow will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the dance grounds. Dancing begins at 3 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday, and noon on Sunday. Dancing will begin with gourd dancing followed contest dancing each evening.