The 3rd Annual Wakonda Indian Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, from 10:00 to 5:00 on both days. The event is held at the Osage Area, Waconda Lake, entryway across from Lakeside Convenience, off Highway 24.
The Swift Eagle Dance Group has just been added to this years festival.
The group are of the Northern style dancing and singing and will provide grass dance, Northern traditional, ladies style dancing and more. They sing in their Native American language which is called, keres.
"We are very excited to have this group of five dancers join our festival," said Sharon Hesket Sahlfeld. "Our goal is to have the Festival grow each year and this is the beginning of that goal. We hope everyone can come out and support the event so it may continue to grow and prosper."
Dennis Rogers, Navajo, nationally known entertainer/educator and his family will once again be dancing, flute playing, and demonstrating hoop dancing with crowd participation.
Dennis' daughter, RenÄ—e Rogers, performs Fancy Shawl and Jingle dances. Her son Jr. performs with his grandfather, Dennis, while hoop dancing. They take volunteers from the crowd and demonstrate hoop dancing followed with a performance for the spectators.
Drummers/Singers, Ron Brave, Oglala Lakota Sioux, and Ross Cooper, Prairie Band Pottawatomie, will be present sharing the beat of the drum. Both are very skilled in their art and Ron Brave offers knowledge about the history of the drum.
A tipi will once again be available with storytelling inside the structure during different times of the day. Last year it was erected as a demonstration. This year it will be ready for the kids to enjoy early.
Food vendors and drinks will be available and Indian artists raffles will take place throughout both days.
This year falls on a free park entrance. A donation of $3.00 a person is suggested, 12 and under free. Tents are provided for shade and seating but one can also bring their own lawn chairs or shading if wanted.
Artist will again be present. Don Nieto and Ramos Pacheco Jr., Kewa Tribe, Santo Domingo Pueblo, will once again provide silversmith jewelry for purchase. Frank Maribal, Taos Pueblo, drum maker, and Reuben Kent, Iowa tribe, flute maker/clay sculptured, have been invited again after a first year appearance. Pat Murphy, American Indian Art Center, Abilene, will provide many artists' work.
For more information or if you wish to sponsor the event you can call, 785-738-8035.
The event is sponsored by Visions (Sharon Sahlfeld) and Glen Elder State Park, Co-sponsored by Mitchell County Convention and Tourism Committee, Lakeside Convenience, KD Country 94 and Z-96.3 The Lake, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.