Winter Fun
Explore the many ways First Americans celebrate and observe the winter season with events and workshops this December, January and February. Looking for a gift idea? Don’t forget to visit FAMstore. Gift memberships also make excellent stocking stuffers!
New Years Stickball Game | Saturday, Jan. 8, 1-5 PM
Need some exercise after indulging in too many holiday treats? Enjoy a hands-on stickball demonstration with Cultural Ambassador Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw/Cherokee) at 1 PM outside in the Festival Plaza. You’re then invited to watch a tournament-style game at 2 PM. Those interested in playing the tournament-style game should email aceg@famok.org. This event will take place rain or shine.
Attention Stickball Players : Rules and Regulations for January 8, 2022
Ribbon Skirt Workshop ($35, Advance Registration Required) Saturday, Jan. 15, 1-4 PM
Resolved in 2022 to Indigenize your wardrobe? Join Kate Sultuska (Absentee Shawnee) for a hands-on workshop on creating your own ribbon skirt. Participants need to bring their own recently serviced machine and materials. You will receive a supply list upon registration. FAM members receive 10 percent off!
Winter Games and Stories | Saturday, Jan. 22, 1-4 PM
Test your luck and skill with seasonal games such as Nuki’ Lohmi led by Cultural Ambassador Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw/Cherokee) in the Xchange Theater. Ace will also share traditional stories appropriate for the winter months.
Potato Dance World Championship | Saturday, Feb. 12, 1-3 PM
FREE to watch—$10 per couple to enter
Grab your sweetie and compete for global glory in this not-so-traditional dance. You’ll position a potato between your forehead and that of your beloved and dance to the tunes of DJ Nymasis (Kiowa). The last pair standing with the potato aloft and intact wins. The victorious duo will earn a $250 shopping spree at FAMstore and bragging rights for the next year. This event features an opportunity for everyone to dance and performance from award-winning Fancy Dancer Boye Ladd (Ho-Chunk).
12:30 | Dancer registration begins
1:00 | Participatory demonstration with Cultural Ambassador Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw/Cherokee)
1:15 | First round competition
1:45 | Fancy Dance performance
2:00 | Second round competition
2:30 | Final round competition
3:00 | Award announcements (must be present to win):
- Grand Prize for longest dance
- Overall Best Dressed
- Overall Best Dancers
Hat Beading Workshop ($15, Advance Registration Required) | Saturday, Feb. 19, 1-4 PM
Make your auntie proud! Together with Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw/Cherokee), you’ll learn to embellish your hats with keen beadwork. Bring your own baseball cap or purchase one at FAMstore. Beads, needles, and thread are included in this workshop for adults and teens. Members receive 10 percent off! Click here to register.