“Come join us and take a piece of our culture home with you,” say the organizers of Thunder in the Valley 2019, the annual pow wow set to take place in the aptly named hamlet of Big Indian on the weekend of July 20 and 21. Native American dancing, drumming, craft vendors, food vendors, storytelling and audience participation are the fare being served up at the two-day gathering.
The Spirit of the Mountain Singers are serving this year as the Host Drum, with John Boles as emcee, and Wolf’s Moon Medicine Drum as the Guest Drum, but all dancers and drummers are welcome to join in. Featured performers include the Salinas Family of Aztec Fire Dancers, Annie Mardiney’s Wild Mountain Birds of Rosendale (on Saturday only), flute-player Richard Olivera and historian/storyteller Evan Pritchard.
Big Indian Park will be open for this event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The Grand Entry parade is “scheduled” for noon each day, although promoters note parenthetically that this is to be taken as “Indian time” – meaning that it will happen when all is in readiness.
Thunder in the Valley goes on rain or shine. The site is handicapped-friendly, and attendees are advised to bring a chair or blanket for seating. Entry costs $8 general admission, $3 for kids under 12, seniors and veterans with ID. For more info, call Tony Moon Hawk at (917) 415-5139.
Thunder in the Valley Native American Festival
Saturday/Sunday, July 20/21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., $8/$3
8280 Rt. 28, Big Indian
(917) 415-5139
