Blackfoot Crossing invites everyone to come for a day of fun

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

This year Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, BCHP, in Siksika Nation will be launching the Blackfoot Crossing Fest, which will feature the fourth annual World Chicken Dance Championships on June 18.

In previous years it was a two-day event, which focused on the chicken dancers; this year it’s a one-day event filled with a variety of things everyone can enjoy.

Recently BCHP was paired with Mobilized Strategies out of B.C., who helped with event planning in Whistler for the Vancouver Olympics, through the mentorship program with parks and recreation. 

“Basically they looked at our model before, which was heavy on the competition, and we tried to keep the building separate,” said Beverly Wright,  Director of Business Operations & Marketing for BCHP.

“We weren’t breaking even, and we weren’t getting the draw from neighbouring communities. So we did a little analysis and what we found is we need to expand our programming, invite the communities around us and have things to do other than the pow wow, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

From 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. there will be events for the whole family to enjoy. 

“Blackfoot Crossing Fest will provide visitors with a full day of Blackfoot culture and experiences from tours of the extraordinary museum to food demos, fashion shows, regalia displays, craft workshops, storytelling, outdoor tours and tipi building,” said Jack Royal, BCHP President in a press release.

There will be storytelling, a fashion show, food and the archaeology site for the parents, and drum making and a number of other fun activities for the kids. All day long people can also sit and watch the different levels of dancers, with the finals taking place at 5 p.m.  

Tickets are available at the event and are $10 per person. Children five-years-old and under are free.