Great River Eagle Days set for Jan. 22-23 at Oakley-Lindsay Civic Center

QUINCY — The Standing Bear Council will be the host of “Winter Gathering: Great River Eagle Days” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Oakley-Lindsay Civic Center, Third and York. The event offers activities throughout the weekend centered around the majestic bald eagle.

Admission is $5 for ages 10 and older and $3 for adults over age 60.

The event honors Native American traditions with a variety of sacred ceremonies and entertainment features.  A highlight will be an expanded 30-drum circle and more than 500 Native American dancers from around the nation.  The Omeyocan Dancers will perform authentic Aztec dances at 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The traditional blessing of the eagle ceremony is set for at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. More than 30 Native American vendors and food booths will be on site, offering authentic “fry bread” and Indian tacos.  

Live birds of prey, along with an eagle, will be on display from Treehouse Wildlife to allow the public to safely view birds of prey with their handlers. Back by popular demand is the candy dance, along with children’s activities, a silent auction and door prizes. The entertainment circle will have new educational sessions, including flute playing and children’s crafts, on both days. The Native American dancers and drum will perform throughout the event, with the public invited to join in the dance circle. Dancers in native regalia will be awarded prizes.

Eagle-watching is set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Quincy’s Lock & Dam 21 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.

“This year’s event has garnered the attention and support from several Nashville recording artists and Hollywood actors with a strong connection to Native American heritage and culture. We believe several special guests may be in attendance this year,” said Leslie Haslem with Standing Bear Council in a press release.

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

The event is presented by the Standing Bear Council in partnership with the Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council and an Arts Dollar grant through Arts Quincy.