A very special event that’s been happening for over 50 years is coming later this week as the 57th Fort Totten Day celebration takes place at the Andrew Shaw, Sr. Arena – 3801 73rd Ave. NE, Fort Totten, ND.
The festivities get started Thursday, July 24 with the Pageant scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Arena.
Friday, July 25 gets rolling early with the Flage Raising at 8 a.m. Registration opens at 3 p.m. with Drum Roll Call at 6:30 p.m. and Grand Entry at 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 begins again with Flag Raising at 8 a.m. The Vern Lambert Sr. Memorial Run takes place at 8 a.m. – registration is at the Announcer Stand. Registration opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 12 p.m., Drum Roll Call is at 12:45 p.m. and Grand Entry at 1 p.m.
At 5 p.m. there will be a supper break and a buffalo feed.
At 6:45 p.m. is Drum Roll Call and at 7 p.m. Grand Entry.
Sunday, July 27 begins with Flag Raising at 8 a.m. and a Parade at 10 a.m. Drum Roll Call is at 12:45p.m. and Grand Entry is at 1 p.m.
This celebration includes a Dance Contest with Golden Age men and women (55+) competing in Traditional, Grass, Fancy, and Jingle for $1,200, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400.
Senior men and women (35 – 54) competing in Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Jingle, and Chicken for $1,200, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400.
Junior men and women (18 – 34) compete in Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Jingle, and Chicken for $1,200, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400.
Teen boys and girls (13-17) compete in Traditional, Grass, Fancy and Jingle for $500, $400, $300, $200 and $100.
Junior boys and girls (6-12) compete in Traditional, Grass, Fancy and Jingle for $400, $300, $200, $100 and $75.
Tiny Tots (5 & under) are paid daily.
The Singing Contest winners will receive $15,000, $12,000, $10,000, $8,000 or $5,000. Drum Split is $15,000. First 15 drums to register (minimum 4 singers).
Throughout the celebration there will be a number of specials including those in honor of Spirit Lake Royalty.
The Moccassin Games winners will take home $3,000 + jackets, $2,500, $2,000 or $1,500.
Horseshoe Doubles are planning 2 tourneys: For both tourneys the winners receive $1,600, $1,200, $900, $700, $300 and $300.
Everyone is welcome to attend these events, there is no charge for admission but donations will be accepted.
Acknowledgements:
The Emcees for Fort Totten Days will be Dr. Russ McDonald and Harold Blacksmith.
Arena Directors will be Chaske LaBlanc and Rusty Gillette.
The Color Guard will be VFW Post #6547.
Head Singing Judge: Tyson Merrick
Head Women’s Judge: Georgia Alex
Head Men’s Judge: Caelen Lohnes
Pageant/Parade: Mikayla Greywater and Nancy Greene-Robertson
Horseshoes Doubles: Trestan Demarce
Vern Lamber Sr. Memorial Run: Donovan Lambert
Sound: RC Soundz
Attendees are asked to remember “No drugs, alcohol or weapons allowed” and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Not responsible for damage or theft. Questions or inquiries go to [email protected]; Facebook: Spirit Lake VFW Post #6547, 701-766-4486.
