Over 114 Native American nations, tribes, and bands from North America were represented. More than 100,000 people converge on downtown Oklahoma City, many of whom have attended the past festivals. The heartbeat of the Red Earth Festival is the drum, its pulse the jingle dancers, its voice an elder storyteller, and its touch the hands of the artists. Festivities commence with a parade through downtown. Performers in full regalia walk accompanied by the beat of marching bands.
Colorful floats join the procession, and stylish vintage automobiles convey festival dignitaries.
Inside, the museum's halls are humming with artists setting up their displays and Native dancers practicing steps in preparation for performances in the open air courtyard. Over 10,000 people walk through the museum's doors over the weekend intent on viewing artists' demonstrations and collecting quality Indian jewelry , pottery, basketry, beadwork, clothing, quilts, textiles, sculpture, masks, fetishes, and paintings. Last year's line-up of entertainment included the Zuni Rainbow Dancers, Blackfeet flutist and flute maker Troy De Roche and spellbinding storytelling sessions by Metis artist and author Liz De Roche. Southern Californians have an opportunity to get a glimpse of what life was like for the indigenous Kumeyaay people before the coming of the high-rises, condos, and naval ports. A special museum exhibit shows cultural artifacts and portrays aspects of pre-colonial life.