Learn the trades, crafts, and etiquette needed to survive in the West. Also, meet and hear from some of history’s most legendary men and women.
The majority of the demonstrators and performers will be at the Festival both Saturday and Sunday. Demonstrations will be taking place throughout the weekend.
Blacksmith
Blacksmith Shop – Whether making horse shoes, wagon parts, or repairing broken rifles, a Smithy’s skills were important to everyone on the Frontier. Join the Blacksmith as he demonstrates the skills he has acquired during his many years of blacksmithing, and listen has he shares in knowledge of working with metal to create true and functional works of art.
Carpenter
Carpenter Shop – A carpenter’s knowledge about uses and strength of wood and his ability to repair or make everything from wagons to shingles kept him busy from dawn to dusk. At FortSisseton the Carpenter and the Blacksmith share a common roof. Often these men worked on projects together, so the closeness of their shops was very functional. Stop at the shop to view unique and antique saws, awls, and planes, use the two-man saw to cut logs or make rope.
Ferrier
Barn Corral – Shoeing horses and mules is an art that developed years ago and remains a very important part of using horses today. Stop by near the barn corral to see a Ferrier demonstrate the proper techniques for shoeing horses. Also, proper horse harnessing will be demonstrated.
 Grand March and Military Costume Ball
Parade Ground and South Barracks – Participants are asked to dress in costume such as pioneer attire, buckskin, ball gowns or military uniforms. Non-costumed visitors will be able to watch the Grand
March as it takes place on the Parade Grounds.
Period Dance Instruction
Upper level of the Officer’s Quarters - If the Military Costume Ball is interesting, but two left feet are a problem, then dance instruction may be the answer. Kevin and Paula Fox will teach two sessions of authentic mid -1800s dance steps.
Abraham Lincoln
Coteau Tent – Although President Lincoln never visited the frontier country, he had a major role in establishing the line of Forts in eastern Dakota Territory. Lee Williams, as President Lincoln, gives a spell binding performance which includes stories from Lincoln childhood, recounts of Lincoln’s letters, and excerpts from speeches. Join the President as he addresses audiences in the Coteau or visit with him as he travels the grounds.
Cowboyography
Living History Area – The Cowboy was the backbone of the ranching operations. Tough as leather these men protected the bosses’ cattle day or night – 100 degrees above or 20 degrees below. Join the Swanson family as they introduce Cowboyography – the study of the American Cowboy. Stop by their camp and try tossing a lasso or cracking a bull whip.
Chuck Wagon
Living History Area – Charles Goodnight never knew how his invention uniquely shaped travel on the American Frontier. He designed a large box with many drawers which fastened in the rear of a wagon box. This box let medicine, cooking supplies, and equipment travel easily during long trails rides. In the extra wagon space, bedrolls and food animal feed were stored. His creative traveling wagon is known as the “chuck wagon.” Jim Patrick showcases and demonstrates how this Western invention works.
 Teamsters
East Side of the Barn – Near the corrals, on the east side of the barn, wait for the chance to view the Fort in style. Teamsters and their horses will be waiting and picking up passengers at various times throughout the festival.
Hoop Dancing
Coteau Tent – Kevin Locke will be sharing a series of stories, musical numbers and dances from the Native American culture. Learn the rich tradition of such dances as the Eagle, Shield and Spear, and Buffalo. Visit the Coteau Tent on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate Native American music and dance tradition.
 Spinning and Weaving
Prairie Fiber Arts Guild will demonstrate and teach various methods used to spin, weave, knit, and dye fibers.
Pipe Making
Living History Area – Learn about the sacred tradition of pipe
making.
Voices from the Past
Coteau Tent – The two characters portrayed in this presentation are imaginary, but they describe actual events in the west from 1865-1890 – prejudice and acceptance, and the beliefs and values of cultures coming into contact.
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