There’s nothing like attending in person the Fort Totten Days Wacipi & Celebration coming July 24, 25 & 26 in the Amdrew Shaw Arena, located at 3801 75th Ave NE – behind Four Winds High School. You will be greeted by the “heartbeat” of the drums and singers as the dancers enter the arena.
Around the arena itself there will be vendors of many different kinds selling their wares: tasty things to eat, like fry bread, tacos and flavored lemonade – just to name a few – and novelty items including t-shirts and many other items of clothing and jewelry, etc. In the past they have had a couple smaller carnival-type rides for the kiddies.
Schedule
The events begin Thursday, July 23 with the 5 p.m. Royalty Pageant and at 6 p.m. Spirit Comes Back Wacipi with limited pay day for dancers and six drums.
Friday begins with the Flag Raising at 8 a.m., at 9 a.m. there will be the CCCC Scholarship Golf Tournament @ the New Rockford Golf Course. Wacipi registration opens at 3 p.m.. There is a Drum Roll Call at 6:30 p.m. and the first Grand Entry begins at 7 p.m. in the Arena.
Saturday also begins with an 8 a.m. Flag Raising and registration at 8:30 a.m. for the Fun Run, which begins at 9 a.m. This year’s fun run is Running Toward Wellness: Costume Fun Run. Wacipi registration opens at 10 a.m. and closes at Noon. Drum Roll Call is 12:45 p.m. and Grand Entry will take place at 1 p.m. There is a supper break, buffalo feed, at 5 p.m. and another drum roll call at 6:45 p.m. and Grand Entry at 7 p.m.
Sunday begins with the 8 a.m. flag raising followed by a parade at 10 a.m. starting at Sioux Manufacturing and going out to the Arena and Drum Roll Call at 12:45 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 p.m.
The Dance Contest will feature Golden Age Women (55+), Senior Women (35 – 54), Junior Women (18 – 34): Traditional, Jingle and Fancy. Golden Age Men (55+), Senior Men (35 – 54), Junior Men (18 – 34): Traditional, Grass, Chicken and Fancy with purses of $1,200, $1,000, $ 800, $600 and $400.
Teens: Teen Girls (13-17): Traditional, Jingle and Fancy. Teen Boys (13-17): Traditional, Grass and Fancy. Purses of $500, $400, $300, $200 and $100.
Juniors: Junior Girls (6-12): Traditional, Jingle and Fancy. Junior Boys (6-12) Traditional, Grass and Fancy. Purses of $300, $250, $200, $150 and $100.
Singing Contest: $15,000, $12,000, $10,000, $8,000, $5,000 and $3,000.
Drum Split $12,000 to first 12 drums to register (minimum four singers).
Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald and Harold Blacksmith will serve as Eyapaha.
Arena Directors will be Rusty Gillette and Caelen Lohnes.
Head Judges are Michael Peters (singing), Thomas Bluestone (Mens) and Danielle DeCoteau (Womens).
Events
Also happening in conjunction with the Wacipi will be Moccasin Games with prizes offered: $4,000, $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000. There will also be 10 consolation prizes of $100.
Two Horseshoe Doubles Tournaments will also take place with prizes: $1,600, $1,200, $900, $700, $300 and $300. For tourneys 1 & 2 the prize for most ringers is $200. There is a $20 buy-in per person charge.
Mni Wakan Oyate Royalty will be introduced and honored.
Specials include the Winona Fox Memorial Giveaway & Feed, sponsored by JR Fox & granddaughters; Harriet Feather-Lester: Jr. Girls Traditional; Mahpiya Jackson: Jr. Boys Traditional; Julynn Langstaff Memorial: Jr. Girls Jingle; Thomas Bluestone Family: Teen Girls Jingle Dress; Russ & Francine McDonald: 30th Anniversary Kahomni; and Kaylee Love Joy: Teen Girls Fancy.
Please, no drugs, alcohol or weapons allowed on the grounds.
For more information please contact [email protected], Facebook: Spirit Lake VFW Post 6547 or phone 701-766-4486.