The Festival kicks off with a "Black Powder Salute" from the Lewis and Clark Honor Guard.
Professional Native American dancers, beaver-skinning demonstrations, and Newfoundland dogs are just a few of the sights in store during the 26th annual Lewis and Clark Festival. The festival, organized by the Lewis & Clark Foundation, takes place in Gibson Park in Great Falls from June 19-21. Admission is free.
The Lewis and Clark Festival recounts many of the experiences of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, Sacagawea, and the Corps of Discovery, which spent nearly a month in the Great Falls area in June 1805. The Festival will describe the Native cultures they encountered, as well as how they traveled and survived.
The festival kicks off with a Black Powder salute from the Lewis and Clark Honor Guard during the opening ceremony at noon Friday, June 19. The venue is open from noon-8 p.m. on Friday, June 19, and from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. Activities include:
- A performance by Native American dancers and drummers;
- A showcase of weapons used by the explorers;
- A children’s area featuring storytellers and a “trade blanket” with bartering lessons;
- Newfoundland dogs to honor the dog who belonged to Capt. Lewis during the expedition,
- Historical programs, including presentations on period dress, navigation, beaver-skinning, and fire-starting;
- Artisans on display, including potters, metalworkers, beadworkers, and a blacksmith;
- Performances by several musicians; and
- Food concessions, and arts and crafts for sale.
On Sunday, June 21, the festival offers several hikes and river floats to explore the areas traveled by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Both the hikes and floats include guides to explain the flora and fauna, as well as the historical background on the Corps’ experience in the area.
For more information on the 26th annual Lewis and Clark Festival, or to register for a hike or float trip, visit www.lewisandclarkfoundation.org or call the Lewis and Clark Foundation at (406) 791-7733.