31st Annual Cultural Fest Coming To Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site Late This Month

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site will host the 31st annual Culture Fest on July 28-29 with a strong list of presenters after traditional skills such as flint knapping and beadwork.

The festival will be held at the historic site near Stanton, North Dakota, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Central Daylight Time on both Saturday and Sunday.

“We are planning an exciting lineup of presenters for 2012 Culture Fest. Some of these people will be recognized as old friends while others will be performing for the first time," said Knife River Superintendent Wendy Ross. "This event offers something for everyone in the family and is a great way to spend a summer weekend.”

Formal presentations will be held hourly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ongoing demonstrations by craftspeople include quillwork, beadwork, flint knapping, pottery, Arikara history, rock art, and flute music. Bill Ihms, Linda Olson, Pearl Schneider are a few of the well-known artisans who are scheduled to share their knowledge.

Children’s activities will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each child can paint a buffalo or a park ranger ornament. Children and adults will also have the opportunity to play the very popular traditional Mandan-Hidatsa games.

The Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation Heritage Foundation will be selling food and cold drinks. Bring your lawn chairs, water, sunscreen, and spend the day at the 31st Culture Fest. For more information, please contact the park at (701) 745-3300.