Moore Haven's Chalo Nitka Festival celebrates Glades County's rich heritage

GLADES COUNTY - The Chalo Nitka Festival in Moore Haven is celebrating its long-standing tradition of honoring Glades County's rich agricultural and ranching heritage. This annual event, which began in 1948, draws the community together for a weekend filled with rodeos, livestock shows, and carnival rides.

Stetson Stokes, a rodeo roper, shared his long history with the festival.

"I've showed a steer for eight years now. My brothers showed the steer for nine or 10," said Stokes.

Albrey West, the Chalo Nitka Pageant Queen, emphasized the sense of community the festival fosters.

"We're such a small, knit community, and it's just nice when everyone gets together, you know, like it's one big family," said West.

The name "Chalo Nitka" means "big bass" in the Miccosukee language, reflecting the region's deep connections to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Vendors like Luis Perez contribute to the festival by showcasing handmade goods.

"The merchandise we made my way, made the jeweler and we, I made instruments, some different items. We made other merchandise," said Perez.

Throughout the week, the festival highlights the industries and lifestyles that have shaped the community for generations. West detailed the variety of activities taking place.

"We start with the rodeo. You go from bull riding, horse tying, everything you can think of, we do a fishing tournament, we do livestock shows, we do festivals, we do parades, we do a 5k run, pretty much everything you can think of," said West.

For many, the festival is a family tradition. Stokes reflected on his family's involvement.

"My dad's been in it his whole life, pretty much. I mean, he's a rope and he's rode a horse his whole life, and worked cows and everything else," said Stokes.

West also shared her favorite moments from the festival.

"My favorite part is when the little kids come up and they're like, 'Can I get a picture with you?' And I'm like, 'Absolutely, yes, yes, you can.' Makes my heart so happy," said West.

The festival continues throughout the weekend, concluding with a parade through Moore Haven. It also plays a vital role in supporting local youth programs, such as the Glades County Youth Livestock program. Justin Guerry, a member of the board of directors for the program, explained its significance.

"A lot of us kids didn't have a whole lot of opportunity in life and youth livestock is, you know, given us more opportunities and allowed us to become, you know, good adults and business owners and people of the community and definitely, to see the next generation coming up. It puts a smile on your face," said Guerry.

As the festival goes on, Moore Haven remains a testament to the enduring spirit of community and tradition in Glades County.