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Cherokee Marbles Demonstration and Community Choir Launch Set for April 12 in Claremore

Story Written by Cara Cowan Watts for Cherokee 411


Cherokee Marbles

CLAREMORE, Okla. — The Rogers County Cherokee Association (RCCA) will host a community cultural gathering on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the RCCA Building, 15488 East 523 Road in Claremore, featuring a Cherokee marbles demonstration led by guest speaker Jared Davis of Tahlequah, along with the launch of a new Community Choir initiative.


The event will center on the traditional Cherokee game of marbles, known as di ga da yo s di, with a live demonstration and hands-on instruction. Davis, an experienced player and cultural advocate, will guide participants through the history, rules, and techniques of the game, which dates back to approximately 800 A.D.


RCCA maintains a full Cherokee marble course on its grounds and will provide all necessary equipment for play. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own marbles. Instructional handouts detailing game rules and field layout will be available for those interested in creating their own marble fields.


The traditional Cherokee marble field spans approximately 100 feet and features five holes arranged in an L-shape. While historically played by adult men, the game is now open to participants of all ages, with children encouraged to form their own teams.


Demonstrations will include both traditional stone marbles and modern billiard balls commonly used in today’s gameplay. If interest is strong, RCCA plans to host monthly Cherokee marbles games to continue promoting and preserving this important cultural tradition.


In addition to the marbles demonstration, RCCA will introduce its new Community Choir, an initiative aimed at preserving Cherokee hymns, supporting language learning, and strengthening community connections. Organized by Cara Cowan Watts, the choir will welcome participants of all experience levels and will begin forming during the gathering, including discussion of practices, leadership roles, and goals.


Cherokee Marbles
Cherokee Marbles

“Our Cherokee hymns are too important not to be sung in every community,” Cowan Watts said. “They help us keep our language alive and give learners an opportunity to hear, feel, and practice Cherokee together.”


Additional outdoor activities will include stickball for children and families.


RCCA will provide hot dogs for guests. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share if able. Door prize drawings will be held throughout the event.


Community members can stay informed about future events by signing up for email and text notifications through the RCCA website.


Sign up for notices:


Community members can sign up for email and text notices by visiting the Contact Us page at rogerscountycherokees.org and clicking the link for email and text notices, or by using the direct links below.



Rogers County Cherokee Association contact information


Physical address:

15488 East 523 Road

Claremore, OK 74019


Mailing address:

P.O. Box 142

Claremore, OK 74018


Phone: (539) 777-2898

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