ENID, OK - The Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to celebrate one of Enid’s most treasured traditions during the 2026 Cherokee Strip Celebration, taking place Friday, September 18, Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 in downtown Enid.
Enid’s history. Enid’s tradition. Enid’s celebration.
The annual Cherokee Strip Celebration recognizes Enid’s history and the events surrounding its founding during the 1893 Land Run, while celebrating the vibrant community we have become today. The celebration brings together families, businesses, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and visitors from many different cultures and backgrounds. It is an opportunity to honor our history, celebrate the progress made throughout the years, and recognize the people from all walks of life who have come together to make Enid the community it is today. Most importantly, the Cherokee Strip Celebration is about coming together as a community, celebrating what connects us, and looking toward a shared future.
FRIDAY KICKS OFF THE CELEBRATION
The celebration begins Friday, September 18, with the traditional Lunch on the Lawn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the courthouse lawn.
Authentic Indian tacos and a drink will be available for $12, while supplies last. The traditional Indian Taco Lunch was originally started by the Enid Intertribal Club and continues today through the families who carry on its tradition.
SATURDAY FESTIVITIES
Saturday’s festivities will take place throughout downtown Enid, with vendors on the courthouse lawn from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There is still room for additional vendors. Vendor applications are available at www.enidchamber.com and are subject to approval. Deadline to apply to be a vendor is September 10.
The highlight of Saturday’s celebration will be the Cherokee Strip Parade, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
For the first time, the parade will award $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place for the best overall entries, bringing businesses, organizations, and community groups together for a truly community-wide celebration.
The parade will feature local businesses, nonprofit organizations, community groups, floats, marching units, first responders, and other special entries. Leading this year’s parade will be the legendary Slash-O-Ranch Longhorns, continuing a Western tradition that has become a signature part of the Cherokee Strip Celebration.
To help maintain a smooth and continuous parade flow, all performances must take place while the entry remains in motion. Entries may not stop to perform.
PARADE ROUTE AND ROAD CLOSURES
The parade will begin at the corner of Grand and Maine, travel north on Grand, west on Randolph, then south on Independence, and end at the corner of Independence and Maine.
The parade staging area will be south of Grand Avenue to Park Street.
For public safety and parade operations, the perimeter surrounding the parade route will be blocked to vehicle traffic beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, September 19.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and use alternate routes when possible.
IMPORTANT LONGHORN SAFETY NOTICE
Before the parade, the public is asked to use extreme caution as the Slash-O-Ranch Longhorns will be driven from the Garfield County Fairgrounds down Grand Avenue to the parade staging area.
The Longhorns will be escorted by the Enid Police Department and the cowboys from Slash-O-Ranch.
For the safety of the Longhorns, their handlers, law enforcement, and the public, motorists and spectators are asked to give the Longhorns plenty of room and follow all instructions from law enforcement and parade officials.
DO NOT DRIVE AROUND OR ATTEMPT TO GO AROUND POLICE ESCORTS, BARRICADES, OR TRAFFIC CONTROL POINTS.
The Chamber strongly encourages motorists who do not need to travel along Grand Avenue during the Longhorn movement to take another route if possible.
The cooperation of the public is essential to keeping this unique tradition safe for everyone.
PARADE REGISTRATION AND PRIZES
All parade entries must pre-register. The entry fee is $10. Deadline is September 10.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three parade entries:
1st Place — $500
2nd Place — $300
3rd Place — $200
Businesses, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and other organizations are encouraged to participate and help make this year’s parade a memorable celebration for the entire community.
Parade registration information and vendor applications are available at www.enidchamber.com.
A COMMUNITY TRADITION
The Cherokee Strip Celebration is about more than remembering Enid’s history. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the people, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and families who continue to make Enid a great place to live, work, and visit.
“We are excited to bring the community together for another great Cherokee Strip Celebration,” said Lori Coonrod, Director of Operations for the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce. “This year is especially exciting as we bring our commercial and nonprofit parade entries together and welcome the legendary Slash-O- Ranch Longhorns back to lead the parade. We have had a longstanding partnership with Cowboy First Bank to make their appearance possible. We encourage everyone to come downtown, enjoy the festivities, support our local businesses and vendors, and be part of this special Enid tradition.”
CHEROKEE STRIP CELEBRATION 2026
Friday, September 18
Traditional Indian Taco Lunch on the Lawn
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
$12 — Authentic Indian Taco and drink while supplies last.
Saturday, September 19
Cherokee Strip Festival, Courthouse Lawn: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cherokee Strip Parade: 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Enid
Admission to the celebration is free.
Sunday, September 20
Enid Walk of Fame Ceremony, Stride Bank Center 4 p.m. Grand Ballroom C.
For more information, parade registration, or vendor applications, visit www.enidchamber.com.
-
-
-
