NORTH FORK — The 50th Annual Indian Fair Days and Pow Wow will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 & 7, at the North Fork Recreation Center (see map below).
Gates open at 10 a.m. and the grand entry is at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Pre-sale tickets are $1 each or $5 at the gate.
The popular community event, sponsored by the nonprofit Sierra Mono Museum, is the longest-running pow wow in Central California.
Image by Therese Williams.
North Fork and surrounding areas are home to many members of the Mono, a tribe who has lived in the Sierra Nevada area for centuries.
Organizers at the Sierra Mono Museum say the origins of pow wow have risen from economic, social, and cultural experiences of many Native American tribes. These cultural celebrations provide opportunities for people to come together in song and dance, make friends, renew old alliances, and enjoy arts and crafts.
For many, pow wows have spiritual and religious significance. Nowadays, pow wows are intertribal, with older ways brought forth into the present day and age, helping to solidify Indian communities and promote traditional customs. In addition to the North Fork Mono, members of other tribes from California and throughout the nation also participate.
Image by Steve Montalto.
The weekend-long occasion instills and elevates pride in Native and non-native families, giving all generations the chance to display their traditional heritage.
Contestants showcase skills and intricate regalia during the two-day dance competition.
Pow wow attendees enjoy traditional music, competitive dancing, food and native craft vendors.
For more information, please visit the Sierra Mono Museum’s website or Facebook page.
Contestant Call
- Native youth are needed to promote the event by selling pre-sale tickets.
- Contestants must be 2-17 years old and be of native descent.
- All contestants receive 10% of ticket sales.
- For more info, please contact Rose Davis Cobb on Facebook Messenger or at 559-877-2115.
Check out the 2017 Indian Fair Days & Pow Wow!
