Moore Haven Chalo Nitka Festival Schedule This Weekend

MOORE HAVEN, FL -- Seminole for “Big Bass,” Chalo Nitka is a festival that originated in 1948 to celebrate the paving of then Main Street in Moore Haven, the event had a week-long fishing contest for residents around the lake. Bringing home the biggest bass got you crowned the King or Queen of the Bass.

One of Florida’s oldest continuous festivals, Chalo Nitka is Glades County’s fair with events from livestock shows to alligator wrestling, to a ranch rodeo, Chalo Nitka is always the first weekend in March.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025

9:00 AM Small Fry Fishing Contest Registration
9:30 AM Small Fry Fishing Contest Begins
11:00 AM Kids Day (Chalo Nitka Park)
5-11 PM Midway Opens (Chalo Nitka Park)
7:00 PM Ranch Rodeo (Bronson Arena)
9:00PM – 1AM Chalo Nitka Dance (Doyle Conner Building)

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025
7:00 AM 5K Run Registration (Moore Haven City Park)
Pre-register here
7:30 AM 5K Run Begins (Moore Haven City Park – Tom Perry Park)
7:30 AM-9 AM Pancake Breakfast (Moore Haven City Park- Tom Perry Park)
10:00 AM Parade Begins
11:00 AM Gates Open / Midway Opens (Chalo Nitka Park)
11:30 AM Flag Raising—G.C.S.O. Color Guard / MHHS & West Glades Bands
​11:35 AM Welcome & Introduction of Grand Marshal
11:45 AM Introductions: Elected Officials
11:50 AM Introductions: Chalo Nitka Royalty
12:00 PM Country Rhythm Cloggers
​12:45 PM Live Entertainment By The Seminole Tribe of Florida
1:45 PM Clewiston Performing Art Center Dance Team
4:00 PM Music
7:00 PM Ranch Rodeo (Bronson Arena)
9:00PM – 1AM Chalo Nitka Dance (Doyle Conner Building)​

File Photo: by Don Browne