11th annual Great River Eagle Days set for this weekend in Quincy at Oakley-Lindsay Center

QUINCY — The Standing Bear Council will be the host of the 11th annual Great River Eagle Days from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27-28.

The event, which offers activities throughout the weekend centered around the majestic bald eagle, will be held at the Oakley-Lindsay Center, Third and York. Admission to the event is $7 for ages 11 and older, $5 for adults over age 60 and children 10 and under are free.

The event honors Native American traditions with a variety of sacred ceremonies and entertainment features. A highlight of this year’s festivities will be performances by world champion hoop dancers Brian and Nedallas Hammill from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on both days. The traditional Blessing of the Eagle Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Participants are encouraged to take advantage of eagle-watching from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Quincy’s Lock and Dam 21, 909 W. Lock and Dam Road. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers rangers will have complimentary scopes at the site.

Other events will be:

• Displays from Tree House Wildlife Center Raptors to allow the public to safely view live birds of prey with their handlers.
• Native American vendors and food booths onsite offering tipi displays, authentic “Fry Bread” and Indian tacos.
• Demonstrators and Native American educators will feature artifact displays, flute playing and children’s crafts.
• The Gray Cloud Singers and Drums will delight audiences throughout the weekend.

The event is hosted by the Standing Bear Council in partnership with SeeQuincy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.