Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival Coordinator Wendy Farmer.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Wendy Farmer was appointed once again as the Shoshone-Bannock Festival Coordinator and is currently working on the plans for Tribes biggest event of the year.
Farmer feels good about being the Festival Coordinator. This will be her third year in the position and she says she wants to put her best foot forward and there’s always room for improvement.
Due to her late appointment, she’s still in the process of designating the different committees. So far, James Tone will serve as Powwow Coordinator; Taylor Thomas will head the Parades; Alex Alvarez will be the Royalty Coordinator, promotions for social media will be led by Curtis Hevewah, Claudeo Broncho will oversee the Feast, Relay Coordinator is Alonzo Coby, Tiffany Pabawena and Crystal Ramos will be the Vendor contacts. No one has come forward yet to oversee the Rodeo, Art Show or Handgame.
They have met with Facilities to discuss the improvement plans for the Festival and Rodeo Grounds over the summer. They will meet again next month to prioritize the projects that need to get done. Improving the inside of the arbor is a main focus.
The Powwow Committee has not selected the head staff yet. They’re looking at incorporating local emcees again to give the tribal members a chance to learn. Farmer says they are trying to stay as local as they can with a lot of stuff and they hope the Sho-Ban people appreciate it.
“We’re trying to encourage our own people to get out there,” said Farmer.
They’re reevaluating the categories and may combine some and also thinking about other specials. She encourages families planning to do specials to let them know early on so they don’t duplicate.
One of Farmer’s concerns is the rising costs of expenses and says they will need to request for additional funds for sanitation. She’s also looking at fundraising ideas to help.
Last year, overall they received a lot of compliments on the event and the vendors did well. She was grateful to Facilities for keeping the grounds clean.
They did receive a few complaints for the powwow ending early and she said although it was nice for most travelers, some wanted it to go longer. Lack of parking is another issue that will need to be addressed. The camping area is always a mess and they want to do better at directing RV’s and also promoting families to put up their teepees on the grounds. The Art Show didn't take place last year, due to lack of space. This year they plan to host the Art Show at the Fort Hall Casino Hotel & Event Center.
Parade Coordinator Taylor Thomas said they plan to do a Warbonnet Special again for the adult parade and Women’s Buckskin on horse. They also plan to add a youth category. For the Children’s Parade they are planning a War Painted Shetland Pony and Rider. She said they have a larger budget to work with this year.
They are having a Shoshone-Bannock Festival logo art contest to be used on jackets, t-shirts and other merchandise. The winner will receive $250 and a jacket with their design. All entries are due January 17 by 4 p.m. at the Shoshone-Bannock Tax Department.
Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact Wendy at the Tax Department 208-478-3789. Look for more updates on the Shoshone-Bannock Festival Facebook and Instagram pages.