Tuscarora Nation to celebrate 165th field days, annual run/walk

by Tiffany Hyman

On Friday, July 9, and Saturday, July 10, the Tuscarora Nation will hold its 165th Picnic and Field Days along with the 30th annual Tuscarora 10K and 2.5 Run/Walk at the Picnic Grove on the corner of Walmore Road and Mount Hope Road, in the heart of the Tuscarora Nation. On Friday, the events are as follows for Field Days:

• 5 p.m. - Opening ceremony with a smoke dance warm-up and an honoring of Les Wagner.
• 6 p.m. - Tuscarora Baptist Choir.
• 7 p.m. - Tuscarora Princess Contest.

The Princess Contest is one of the highlights on Friday. Krystal Fauzey, the 2009 princess, explained what was involved to win the title and the crown. She said the winner had to do a lot of community service, culture sharing, tell a story, and list unique hobbies. Last year, there were five girls vying for the title. This year, there will be seven girls in the contest. Regarding the big win, Krystal said, "It was a cool experience sharing with others about myself and stories about my culture." She will be crowning the 2010 winner.

• 8 p.m. - Music by Phil Wright.
• 9 p.m. - Music by Beatlemania.

Saturday's schedule includes:

• 7:45-8:45 a.m. - Registration for the run/walk at Tuscarora School. Participants can also register at buffalorunners.com.
• 8:50 a.m. - Walmore Road (Mount Hope/Upper Mountain) will close
• 8:55 a.m.- Athletes at starting line with runners in front and walkers behind.
• 8:56 a.m. - Words by race committee.
• 8:58 a.m. - Prayer by "Just" Jed Printup.
• 9 a.m. - Start of 10K and 2.5 mile races.
• 9 a.m. - Walmore Road between Mount Hope and the finish line (Grove) will close.

Refreshments and awards will be given upon reaching the finish line. Water, yogurt, cereal bars, and fruit will be handed out to participants. The 10K awards will be presented overall to females and males, oldest and youngest runners, and amongst the top three places in each age group ranging from 14 and under to 65 and older. The 2.5 mile awards will be given to first-, second- and third-place winners for females and males. Each will receive ribbons.

• 11 a.m. - Parade and honoring ceremony for John Wigle, who has done extensive work with the nations.
• Noon - Tuscarora baby contest.
• 12:30 p.m. - Tuscarora mission singers.
• 1 p.m. - Smoke dance warm-up.
• 2 p.m. - Music by Cornbred.
• 3 p.m. - Iroquois Indian band
• 4 p.m. - Music by Craig Wilkins band.
• 5 p.m. - Music by Darryl Tonemah.
• 6 p.m. - Smoke dance contest.
• 7 p.m. - Hand drum contest.
• 8 p.m. - Music by Mark Porter and closing ceremony.

Event coordinator Neil Patterson Sr. expressed his excitement for the event.

"Tuscarora weekend is a lot of fun. There are so many different events going on and we hope everyone shows up," he said.

Patterson also stated the musical entertainment features genres including country, gospel, rock ‘n' roll, blues, etc. Other special proceedings he highlighted are the "fireball," which is a Native American culture game, a horseshoe contest, Native American food and crafts, and a basketball tournament.

"We hope the weather participates this year," he said. "We've never had such good entertainment, contests, and tournaments to date."

The event prohibits drug and alcohol use.

Parking and entry is free and open to all. Registration for the run/walk is $18. Lawn chairs are welcomed.

For more information, contact Patterson at 609-0747 or visit www.tuscaroraenviornment.com/picnic.aspx.