Don’t miss Old Settlers Day this Saturday. This family tradition in Checotah is one of old friends, new friends and lots of good ol’ fashion family fun.

Always the second Saturday in June, the town honors its heritage with activities for everyone.

The first Old Settlers Day was started by the Checotah Jaycees as a reunion and a way to recognize the cowboy heritage of the city. The tradition included a rodeo back then, just like there’s still a rodeo today. This year at the OSD Rodeo will be June 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. nightly at the Checotah Round Up Club. A special rifle raffle will be held for Greg Berry’s recent heart surgery to help the family with hospital expenses.

There will also be an array of activities from turtle races, frog-jumping contests, balloon toss competitions, dunk tanks, mechanical bull rides, face painting, crafters, vendors and more.

The day starts with a hot pancake breakfast served by the Checotah Lions Club starting at 7 a.m. Then downtown activities begin at 9 a.m. under the stoplight on Broadway and Gentry Ave. The first is a crowd favorite – the turtle racing competition. So get your turtles eating their greens and ready!

In the early days, men were expected to have a beard or wear a tie. If they didn’t, they were put in the dunk tank. Best-dressed settlers were also recognized as where the farthest travelers.

The Old Settlers Day parade has always been a crowd favorite with cowboys and cowgirls on horses, the school band and so much more.

So saddle up and come on down for a weekend of fun during the Old Settlers Day celebration in Checotah on June 14.

For more information: Contact the Checotah Chamber of Commerce at 918473-2070.