Kiamichi Owa-Chito

Kiamichi Owa-Chito (Festival of the Forest)

Third weekend in June

A celebration of southeastern Oklahoma's forestry industry and of the culture of the Choctaw Indians of the area, Kiamichi Owa-Chito is held in Beavers Bend Resort Park near Broken Bow. Shortleaf and loblolly pines are abundant in the region, which is the heart of Oklahoma's timberland. The mistletoe, Oklahoma's state flower, also flourishes here. The Forest Heritage Center in the park has exhibits that include petrified logs, tools of the forestry industry, and dioramas.
Sporting events of the festival include canoe races, archery, and log birling (log rolling). Other activities range from contests in turkey and owl calling and a spelling bee to art and photography exhibits and musical entertainment—gospel singing, fiddling, and bluegrass.

CONTACTS:
Beavers Bend Resort Park
P.O. Box 10
Broken Bow, OK 74728
580-494-6179
www.beaversbend.com
Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce
113 W. Martin Luther King
Broken Bow, OK 74728
800-528-7337 or 580-584-3393; fax: 580-584-7698
www.brokenbowchamber.com

SOURCES:
GdUSFest-1984, p. 144

Celebration days:
2011: Jun 18; Jun 19
2012: Jun 16; Jun 17
2013: Jun 15; Jun 16
2014: Jun 21; Jun 22
2015: Jun 20; Jun 21