EISF Native American Department sees many new exhibitors
Theresa Bache welcomes visitors to the Native American Department at the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot.
By DANA HERNANDEZ
Sho-Ban News
BLACKFOOT — The Eastern Idaho State Fair Native American Department had over 470 items submitted into their 2021 exhibit. There were 50 exhibitors with 48 being Shoshone-Bannock tribal members.
The building is located in Building No. 8 — the Harvest Plaza Building.
Anna Bowers, Native American Department Superintendent said the total premium payouts for this year’s ribbons were $1,545. The two judges were Sandra Plentywounds and Georgette Running Eagle. Bowers said, “This year we had a lot of new exhibitors, 21 in total and that it was essential to get the word out to our Native artists.” The oldest exhibitor was Larry Teton who placed in two categories for the Special Prizes — he made a pair of men’s buckskin gloves. The youngest exhibitor was Burlee Broncho and was also the only children’s exhibitor to enter, and submitted his metals jewelry.
Willow board exhibit.
There were various types of Native American art that was submitted, everything from quilts, to baby wing dresses and even a past Miss Shoshone-Bannock Queen Crown. Bowers said she made a baby dress for her granddaughter 18 years prior and since her granddaughter was at the booth she had her pose with the dress. A lot of the items that were submitted were used and valued by family members. Bowers said exhibitors will bring in something that was made by their grandmothers and that it was okay because as long as the person owns it, they can submit it.
Siggie Broncho, Miss Blackfoot Heritage Sixth Grade School Princess was present at the Native American booth on Friday, September 3 to hand out the Special Prizes award money.
Larry Teton prize winning gloves.
The Special Prizes category winners were: Indian bread- Kayla Mosho, Men’s beadwork (with documented pictures of preparation)- Larry Teton; Leather work- Stephan Kniffin; Cradle board with willow shade- Jake Broncho; Doll size cradle board with willow shade with handmade doll baby- Bobette Haskett; Children’s art beadwork ($50 each, two awards given)- Burlee Broncho; Buckskin dress- Randy’L Teton; Buffalo skull with art- Whipple Edmo; Pipe bad with quill work fringes- Pete Yellowjohn; Cut bead hair barrette- Valerie Bagley; Any type of bead work made by an elder 75 years old and above- Larry Teton. Also, there was no exhibitor submission for the Buckskin jacket. All special prizes winners each received a ribbon or trophy and $100 cash that was provided by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
The Special Awards Superintendent’s choice was awarded to J.W. Ball, Velma McCrary, and Brenda Racehorse who were awarded $50 each.
The Chairman’s choice and Councilmen choice will be awarded on Thursday, September 9 at 11 a.m. before the start of the relay races at the EISF Native American Department. The department will also be doing their awards presentation and pictures this day. If winners are unable to attend they can contact Anna Bowers at 208-241-3972, to make arrangements to receive their special prizes.
