Compete for $500 prize in traditional Native American game
GRAND RAPIDS – For the fourth consecutive year, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is hosting a traditional northern Native American game during the World of Winter festival.
The tribe is inviting the Great Lakes community to participate in the fun, family-friendly Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition, taking place on Saturday, Feb. 28. Snow Snake is a game during which a player throws a handmade, wooden “snake” down a snow trough to see who can launch it the farthest.
“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is excited to welcome competitors back to the Snow Snake Competition and to share part of our culture with our community,” said Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands. “This is a great event for those interested in learning a new skill and competing alongside members of more than a dozen tribes and is also an entertaining competition to watch.”
Those who wish to compete must make their own snow snake.
Competitors of all ages are welcome, and participants will be split between brackets based on age and gender. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Sixth Street Park, 647 Monroe Ave. NW. Snow snakes may be available to practice with before the event, though all competitors must make their own snow snakes to compete. The competition at Sixth Street Park begins at noon and is free for participants and spectators.
The Grand River Bands will award a $500 cash prize to the competitor who throws their snow snake the farthest throughout the whole competition. Bracket victories will be awarded $50 prizes.
World of Winter is the largest winter festival in the United States and is taking place through March 1, featuring art installations, events and unique experiences in Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information about the Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition, visit the World of Winter website.