The Mid-Winter Fair in Fort Belknap

Press release

Fort Belknap

Indian Community

The 53rd Annual Mid-Winter Fair will be held at the Fort Belknap Bingo Hall from Monday, Jan. 29 through Saturday, Feb. 3.

After the recent cold snap that forced everyone indoors, the Mid-Winter Fair has plenty of activities for all family members to enjoy and meet with friends and neighbors.

Fair activities include a Baby Parade Jan. 30 at 3 p.m., a Bread and Pie contest Jan. 31 at 10 a.m., and a Youth Carnival Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Area youth and families are encouraged to attend each event.

In the Art and Quilt Show, area residents can display their craftwork and fine art and win awards. Other creative activities include a Bread and Pie contest where the baked goods could win awards for texture, taste, and authenticity.

All ages can participate in the Art Quick Draw Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. Entrants can bring their supplies or use the provided art materials. Judges will award a first-place cash prize for art created at the event.

Women aged 16-24 can enter the Miss Indigenous Queen Pageant. The contestants will display their best attire, “le le,” war cry, and talent of choice. Contestants will also complete a formal impromptu interview. The first-place winner receives a $500 award and a crown. The second-place runner-up is awarded a $300 cash prize. Third place wins $100.

All community members are invited to attend Mourner’s Feed Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m.; a 3-on-3 basketball tournament Friday, Feb. 2, at the Red Whip Center; and a Powwow Saturday, Feb. 3.

The Mid-Winter Fair will host comedian Kasey Nicholson Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Bingo Hall, at 6 p.m. Nicholson has brought the healing medicine of laughter to audiences in the United States and Canada. He has shared the stage with the 1491s, Tonia Jo Hall, and Tatanka Means at venues nationwide.

All events are free and open to all residents in and around the Fort Belknap Indian Community.