Indian Taco Championship returns to Pawhuska for 21st year

Written By: Benny Polacca

(OSAGE RESERVATION) The National Indian Taco Championship is returning to downtown Pawhuska for its 21st year on Saturday, Oct. 4, for a day of food, fellowship, and entertainment featuring Indian tacos.

Read this story on Osage News here.

Each year, the annual cooking competition and food sale event draws hundreds of people to Pawhuska, featuring Indian taco cooks and their helpers from various tribal and culinary backgrounds who compete for cash prizes awarded to the top winners. The Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, with sponsorship coming from local businesses and entities.

“We’re now accepting sponsors, vendors, and contestants — but heads up! We’re limiting this year’s taco competition to 20 contestants, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis,” The Chamber wrote on the NITC Facebook page.

“We have 11 registered contestants so far, and around 20 for non-food vendors. We do still have space available,” said Reba Bueno-Conner, who is office manager for the Chamber of Commerce.  “The last day to sign up is Sept. 15.”

Contestant food booths will price their own Indian taco dishes and other food items for sale. There will be drink vendors as well and the event also features a contest powwow with cash prizes.

The day-long event will begin at 10 a.m. and will last through 4 p.m. or earlier if the food vendors sell out of their dishes.

This year, the Nation’s Foundation is one of the event sponsors along with local businesses. “The Osage Nation Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the continued development of the Osage Reservation and the surrounding communities influenced by the Osage Nation,” the event page reads.

For more information or questions about the NITC, call the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce at (918) 287-1208 or email Reba@pawhuskachamber.com.

Follow the “National Indian Taco Championship – Pawhuska” on Facebook for any further updates.