When people visit the Citizen Potawatomi Nation headquarters for the 2022 Annual Family Reunion Festival, friendly competition is part of the tradition. All contests are open to Tribal members and their spouses, and whether they compete in modern games like softball or traditional handgames, opportunities are everywhere.
The premier competition is the annual art contest, including youth and adult divisions. Previous submissions have included paintings, photography, beadwork, moccasins and sculpture.
Children’s art contests
Tribal members age 15 and younger may compete in the art contest by entering up to three pieces in one of four age groups: age 5 and younger, ages 6-9, 10-12 and 13-15. Art may be submitted starting at 9 a.m. Saturday in the youth tent, located just south of the FireLake water tower. All submissions must have been created before Festival and within the past three years. First, second and third place will be recognized.
Adult art contest
The adult art contest has professional and amateur divisions for Tribal members and their spouses, age 16 and up. Submissions do not have to include Indigenous themes, and the contests include all types and styles of art. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Saturday inside the FireLake Arena lobby.
The professional division is for artists who previously have been paid for the same type of work they have submitted. One overall prize is awarded, with the winner chosen by a vote of the Potawatomi people taking place inside the foyer of FireLake Arena.
The amateur division is for artists not paid for the piece or for other pieces made in the same medium. The winners are decided by a judge, and three places will be awarded in the categories of photography/painting and other mediums.
Other competitions
The weekend also includes opportunities to showcase prowess in athletics as well as games of skill and chance. Traditional handgames, softball, golf, chess, 3-on-3 basketball, archery and horseshoes are just a few of the events scheduled.
A full schedule of contests will be printed in the Festival registration packet. Learn more about Festival and traditional handgames at cpn.news/handgames.