NORTH FORK – Traditional dances, food and crafts will be on display at the 43rd Annual Indian Fair Days & Pow Wow, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3 and 4, at the North Fork Recreation Center.
This much-anticipated event, always held the first weekend in August, is a showcase for native dancers and costumes, and an opportunity for the public to learn about the local native culture.
Headstaff will lead the dancers in the native dance competition, and all winners will receive a cash prize.
There will also be a hand game tournament, and visitors will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods from the Mono culture.
“We will be serving acorn – a staple food that the Mono still eat to this day,” say organizers. “It is best served with meat, so the Sierra Mono Museum will be serving it along with tri-tip sandwiches.”
There will be an array of food vendors to choose from, plus a variety of Native American crafts on display and available for purchase. There will also be a hand game tournament.
Be sure to visit the large showcase area of the Mono Indian Culture and try some sourberries, another food that was a staple to the Mono diet.
Guests will be able to watch elders gather materials and weave baskets, and some will demonstrate their beautiful bead work.
Lifeguards will be on duty at the swimming area for those who want to cool off in Willow Creek, or let the kids have some fun while they enjoy the festivities.
Camping at the Rec Center is free, but please, no dogs.
Gates open at 9 a.m. with the Grand Entry at noon.
Tickets are $2 pre-sale, or $5 at the gate. All entry tickets will be entered in the raffle. 1st Prize is a Traditional Mono Baby Basket made by Sandy Clark, 2nd prize is a new Windows 8 laptop, and 3rd prize is $300 cash.
For more information call the Museum at 559-877-2115 or email staffmonomuseum@gmail.com
All proceeds benefit the Sierra Mono Museum, and everyone is invited to become a member of the Museum during their visit to the Rec Center, located at 33507 Road 230 in North Fork.
No alcohol or drugs allowed on the premises.
