Celebrate the spirit…

Awaken your native spirit this weekend at the Third Annual Native Circle Touch the Earth Festival on the shores of Great Lake Ontario. Experience indigenous music and dancing, storytelling, demonstrations, arts and crafts and food at this unique celebration.

The line-up for this festival includes Sacred Winds and The Storytellers, both from New Hampshire; as well as the Thunder Hawk Singers from Mexico, N.Y.; Gypsy Red, from Parish, N.Y.; and the head-liner Corn Bred from Syracuse, N.Y. Each will entertain audiences with sounds, songs and stories in their own blend of traditional Native American, Mi’kmaq, folk, and rhythm and blues.

The event also features interactive Iroquois social dancing with the People of the Standing Stone, a dance troupe from the Oneida Nation, and totem spirits workshops with Laura “Bright Star” Vannah.

Children of all ages will enjoy painting “spirit rocks,” making beaded bracelets, and learning about dream catchers and traditional Native American clothing. Sit for a visit with Richard and Leslie LaCrosse and see their early Native American encampment. For those with an adventurous spirit, Nancy Kaiser will lead a nature hike to sample wild edibles. The Salmon River International Sportfishing Museum will host displays and demonstrations as well.

The following pictures illustrate some of the festival highlights from previous years. Except where noted, they were generously provided by Donald Blackfox.

Leslie and Hannah LaCrosse at a traditional
Native American campsite
Photo provided by Sandra Scott

Performers David Searching Owl, Sacred Winds; Donald Blackfox, the Thunder Hawk Singers; Joseph Firecrow; Ken Quiet Hawk, The Storytellers

Performers David Searching Owl and Janet Quiet Dove, Sacred Winds;Laura “Bright Star” Vannah; Ken Quiet Hawk and Deborah New Moon Rising, The Storytellers

Audiences relax on a sunny afternoon

and enjoy indigenous music and entertainment

Reed Young, Floyd Vickery, Laura “Bright Star” Vannah,
and Dallas DeFee celebrate cultural heritage at the festival

Joanne Hart’s Earthstone Jewelry from the Onondaga Nation

New this year to the Native Circle Festival, Gypsy Red performed
at the Arts in the Square Festival in Central Square
Photo provided by Kevin Abbott

Deborah New Moon Rising of The Storytellers

Audiences are captivated by traditional Native American storytelling

Corn Bred headlines the 2010 Native Circle Touch the Earth Festival

The focus of the Native Circle Touch the Earth Festival is to strengthen the inner spirit and celebrate our native cultural heritage. This not-for-profit event combines history, education and fun with family-friendly performances and activities.

Bring your own curious spirit and join the fun at Mexico Point Park just off state Route 104B in the town of Mexico. Festivities at this scenic lakeside park run from noon to 5 p.m. on both Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30. Admission is free.

For more information about the festival, go to http://www.brightstarproductionz.com/ or call 315-963-3820.

Cheers,
Kelly

Winter in Oswego County...

As the holiday season took us directly into the trade show and tour planning season, we had precious few moments together. Therefore, we embraced every opportunity to enjoy our natural resources during this picturesque time of the year.

Here are some spectacular winter sights in Oswego County:

Be sure to visit these great festivals to celebrate the season:

Hannibal Winterfest
Saturday, February 7
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kenney Middle School
Sunday, February 8
2 to 5 p.m. at the Hannibal Municipal Building
Activities include: softball tournament, craft show, dog-sled race, snowshoe race, snow sculpture, tug-of-war, refreshments available
Admission: free

Phoenix Snowblast
Saturday, February 7
12 to 6 p.m. at the Farley Community Park
Activities include: outdoor snow softball tournament, sledding contest, snow sculpture, indoor crafts and games, refreshments available
Admission: free

Warm Up Oswego Festival
Saturday, February 7
12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at various locations in Oswego
Activities include: crazy costume sled race, snow treasure hunt, hot scavenger hunt, Warm Up Fiesta, Oswego Music Hall and ARTSwego events, fireworks, refreshments available
Admission: most events free, tickets needed for evening entertainment
Go to http://www.warmuposwego.com/ for more information.

Cleveland Winterfestival
Saturday, February 14
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at various locations in Cleveland
Activities include: chili cook-off, hot dog roast, bake sale, soccer in the snow, snowpeople sculpture contest, cross-country skiing, “Winter First Aid” and “Ice and Winter Safety” programs, Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance, refreshments available
Admission: most events free, tickets needed for evening dinner dance

For more information about winter lodging, events and recreation, call 315/349-8322 or go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly