WPCO’s Activities Attract Children, Families
The Wadopana powwow grounds was the place to be for families on Thursday, July 11, thanks to activities organized by the Wolf Point Community Organization.
Bruce Bauer, peer support specialist for the Spotted Bull horsemanship program, was very pleased with the large turnout.
“It’s been very good,” Bauer said as families started to enjoy their free hamburger and hot dog lunch. “We are surprised. There’s a lot of children with parents because it’s a family deal.”
In fact when Bauer’s cellphone rang, he quickly turned it off since a rule was “no electronics.” Instead, people were to appreciate the more traditional skills offered at the location.
“The goal is to bring people together,” Bauer said. “We want them to eat and enjoy each other.”
Some of the activities included riding horses and developing archery skills by aiming at targets. Bauer explained that the horsemanship program has five different contractors in order to offer horse rides.
“Hunting was one of our main ways to live,” Bauer explained. He was glad that families were embracing the different stations. “Too many families just stay home.”
A petting zone that featured a wide variety of animals was a huge hit. The Oink, Quack, Moo petting zoo of Antelope offered mini ponies, mini donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, calves, alpacas and rabbits.
“I like teaching kids about livestock and farm animals,” petting zoo owner Melissa Price said. “They are a lot of children who don’t know certain animals. It’s educational.”
The rabbits and mini donkey topped the list of favorites for the children.
“Everybody loves the mini donkey,” Price said.
The petting zoo and horses were sponsored by the Fort Peck Community College’s ag department and Spotted Bull Recovery Center.
Bestons
Darrell Beston teaches archery skills to Kyle, 4, and Gloria, 7, during the event at the Wadopana powwow grounds on Thursday, July 11.
(Photo by Bill Vander Weele)
