A new parade route that circles the Myriad Botanical Gardens following its $43 million makeover in downtown Oklahoma City will signal the opening of the 26th annual Red Earth Festival on Friday, June 8. The Red Earth parade has been referred to as America’s most unique parade and features hundreds of participants in authentic tribal regalia, drum groups, tribal princesses, floats, bands and other participants.
The streets will vibrate with Native American Spirit as the Red Earth Festival celebrates its 26th year of being Oklahoma’s premiere cultural experience. The parade starts at 10 am with line-up in the 500 block of West California. The route will proceed south on Walker Avenue to Reno Avenue and will continue east to Robinson. The parade then traves north on Robinson to Sheridan and continues west one block to Hudson where it will conclude.
The parade is expected to last approximately one hour signaling the opening of the Red Earth Art Market at 11 am followed by the Grand Entry of Dancers scheduled for noon inside the Cox Convention Center Arena directly across from the Myriad Gardens.
Last year the Red Earth Parade featured had nearly 100 entries with 10,000 spectators along the streets to experience the colorful event. The parade is free to the public and free for participants.
Participants may include but are not limited to Tribal programs, officials & princesses, color guards, dancers, music groups, school groups, drum groups and community organizations.
Tickets to attend the Red Earth Festival are $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and youth and free for children under five. Three day passes and group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or in person at the Cox Convention Center Box Office.
For Red Earth parade applications or additional information visit www.redearth.org or call (405) 427-5228.
