MOORE HAVEN – After two years of the pandemic, it was clear people were ready to get out and celebrate the 74^th annual Chalo Nitka Festival in Moore Haven on March 5.

The festival began in 1948 as a celebration of the town’s newly paved main street. It has evolved into a celebration that includes Seminole culture and life near Lake Okeechobee.  

Chalo Nitka means “big bass” in the Seminole Creek language. The Brighton Reservation is a close neighbor of Moore Haven.

“This is a historical thing for us,” said Brighton Councilman Larry Howard. “We bring our culture and keep it going for the future generations. I look forward to this every year. We all needed it; we missed [Brighton] Field Day and [Seminole] Tribal Fair and Pow Wow.”

Those events were canceled earlier this year amid pandemic-related concerns. Positive Covid cases have since decreased in recent weeks paving the way for the tribe’s participation in events such as Chalo Nitka.

The tribe’s culture was prominently featured at the festival. Samples of freshly made pumpkin fry bread were given out at a cooking chickee. Tribal members sold traditional beaded jewelry and other arts and crafts. An alligator wrestling exhibition delighted spectators. A tribal clothing contest featured participants ranging from babies to elders in their most colorful finery.

“We came out last year, but there are a lot more people today,” said Melissa Gopher, who attended with her family.

Crowds lined the streets for the annual parade, which featured floats, elected officials, Chalo Nitka royalty, the Moore Haven Middle High School marching band and horses. Candy and beads thrown from passing floats were immediately retrieved by children.

Tribal members in the clothing contest donned their traditional clothing. Kids received help from adults, who made sure each component of the look was just right. The contest began with infants and babies, who clearly stole the hearts of spectators.

The Chalo Nitka events included a 5K run, bass fishing tournament, parade, festival and rodeo. The festival grounds were filled with rides, food trucks and vendors selling everything from jams to jerseys.

Councilman Howard said Brighton was eager to get back on track with a regular schedule of activities on the reservation, including Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations.

“Every day isn’t promised to us; we have to keep our fingers crossed and do the right thing,” Councilman Howard said. “We pray to God the pandemic goes away, but it will probably stay with us like the flu. We have what we need to protect ourselves now, so there is light on the horizon.”