The 42nd Annual Indian Fair Days and Pow Wow is this weekend in North Fork. Always held the first weekend in August, this two day event features Native American dance competition, food vendors, hand crafted Native American arts, and demonstrations of traditional dances and games.
Indian Fair Days is hosted by the Sierra Mono Indian Museum of North Fork, a non-profit organization, and one of only two Indian Museums in the U.S. that is funded and managed by their tribe.
The museum was established in 1966 as the Mono people sought to preserve their traditions and their culture. It houses one of the largest California Indian Basket collections in the state, plus wildlife displays, Native American tools and archaeological displays.
The event began in 1970 to raise funds for the museum, and has grown into a local tradition where natives and visitors can experience and celebrate the history and culture of the traditional California Indian lifestyle.
There will be a hand game tournament and lots of raffles, plus the swimming hole will provide welcome relief from the heat, and fun for the kids with lifeguards on duty.
The celebration takes place at the North Fork Recreation Center, 33507 Road 230. Gates open at 8am with the Grand Entry at noon each day and runs until 10 PM on Saturday and 4 PM on Sunday. In addition to contests and inter-tribal dancing, there will be specials, give-aways, and Gourd dancing.
The public is welcome to attend, camping at the Rec Center is free, and please, no dogs allowed. This is a dry event, no drugs and no alcohol.
For more information call 559-877-6515 or email staffmonomuseum@gmail.com.
