12th annual Great River Eagle Days set for Jan. 25-26 at Oakley-Lindsay Center

QUINCY — The Standing Bear Council will be the host of the Intertribal Powwow, 12th annual Great River Eagle Days, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26, at the Oakley-Lindsay Center at Third and York in downtown Quincy.

The event offers activities throughout the weekend centered around the majestic bald eagle and is open to the public. Admission 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 include performances by two world-class entertainers. Hoop dancer Johny Thor will perform on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 1:30 p.m., and 16-year-old Triston Harper, who reached the final five of Season 22 of “American Idol,” will perform both days from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and from 3 to 3:30 p.m. The traditional Blessing of the Eagle Ceremony is set for 11 a,m, Sunday, followed by the Grand Entry honoring veterans at noon.

Saturday and Sunday lineups include 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 will be onsite both days, 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, as well as native dancers, will perform throughout the weekend.

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 & Dam 21, 909 W. Lock and Dam Road off Gardner Expressway. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rangers will be available with complimentary scopes at the site. The best viewing spot is from the adjoining boat ramp.

For more information regarding vendors or event information, call Leslie Haslem at 217-430-5087 or Bruce Moechnig at 217-430-8595. For eagle-watching information along the river, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 563-263-7913.

Special event rates are available at the host hotel, Microtel Inn and Suites. To check availability, contact the hotel directly at 217-222-5620.

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