The 33rd annual Comanche Nation Fair takes over the tribal complex north of Lawton this weekend, and this year’s theme reaches back a full century. Organizers are honoring 100 years of Comanche Nation Princesses, from 1926 through 2026, with Arlene Schonchin serving as this year’s Comanche Nation Princess and Clara Yazzie as Junior Princess.
The fair began in 1991 under then-Chairman Wallace Coffey at Camp Eagle in Craterville Park and has grown into one of Oklahoma’s largest tribal gatherings, drawing 40,000 to 50,000 visitors over the weekend. Friday opens with a traditional horseback ride departing Medicine Bluff on Fort Sill at 10 a.m. Saturday’s parade steps off at 10 a.m., and Bingo Road closes at 9 a.m. sharp, so build in extra time.
Beyond the parade, the weekend includes a Red Regalia Exhibition honoring missing and murdered Indigenous people, a Princess Sorority Powwow, a three-generation team dance contest, a 49 contest, horseshoe tournament, baby contest, turtle race, car show, rodeo and art show. Daily flag raisings honor three Comanche servicemembers. The music fest at Watchetaker Hall runs 5 to 10 p.m. with Lucavi, Cuttthroat Bastards, DeadCore and Soul System Vibe Band. Martin Flores serves as master of ceremonies, and Larissa Wetselline is the parade contact.
Most events are free or low cost, making this one of the best family weekends on the calendar. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s fair?
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Local Lawton
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