The Annual Tonawanda Seneca Field Days was a big hit again this year with the weather helping out to make for a perfect day. Crowds of people came from far and near to enjoy the dance competition and watch such acts as the renowned Aztec Dancers and the Iroquois Band. There was food of all sorts being offered and entertainment for all ages throughout the day.

FOOD: The Field Days are held every year on the first Sunday of August and have been happening since "prior to the coming of the Europeans" said Event Organizer, Roger Hill. Booths offered such delicacies as Fry Bread, Indian Tacos, Salt Potatoes, Tacos In A Bag, Nachos, Seneca Sausage (the Res version of Italian Sausage), Big Daddy Pickles, the ever favorite Smooothies, Bryan Printup's Famous Jumbalaya, Roast Beef Sandwiches, Strawberry Shortcake, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, and the best tasting Chicken BBQ this side of the creek! Each year the event holds a Pie Baking Contest and a Fry Bread contest. This years winners were: Pie Queen: Colleen Salmon, Pie Princess: Henri Tahamont, and Pie Lady: Sue Ingalsbe. For the Fry Bread we have: Fry Bread Queen: Beverly Porter, Fry Bread Princess: Sham Abrams and Fry Bread Lady: the Summer Youth Program!

GAMES: The day was not without lacrosse exhibitions game with three scheduled throughout the day, including the final which was a Old Sticks game with the "Old Timer" Braves defeating the Buffalo Old Sticks. The Annual Leroy Stafford Horseshoe Tournament, which draws "shoers" from all around, was a big success again this year with Leroy himself and partner, Rick Henhawk winning the first two out of four tourneys. Thethird tournament was taken by Art Jonathan and Dude Jonathan and finally winners of the fourth were Bob Stafford and Randy White, both from Cattaraugus. The hardest shot contest which was run by Sheldon Sundown gave boasting rights to the fastest shot on net with a lacrosse stick. This was a tough competition and finally after a "shoot off" between Josiah Blueye and Henan Scrogg, Henan came away the winner!

DANCE: The dance competition offered an opportunity for dancers of all ages to demonstrate their skills while competing for prizes at the same time. Winners in each category were:

Under 6:
1st: Todd Jr. (from Tuscarora)

2nd: Darion Jonathan

3rd: Olivia Ground

7-12 YRS
1st: Ryan Chrysler (from Tuscarora)

2nd: Jaden Parker

3rd: Tobie Abrams

13-18 YRS
1st: Tashina (from Rochester)

2nd: Wao Jonathan

3rd: Kervin Jonathan

19 UP
1st: Val parker

2nd: Jordan Smith

3rd: Dave Smith

5K RUN: For the first time, the event began with a 5K Run named the Ganohsesgeh (Longhouse) Run. Organizer Megan Logan, a runner herself, thought it would be a good way to kick off the day's events and all proceeds were donated to the Longhouse Fund. It was a big success with forty-four runners registering. The race began at the Tonawanda Community Building at 9:00 AM and ended at Logan Field with the first runner crossing the finish line being Eric Kowalik with a time of 20:46. The event had many sponsors and was well received. Winners in each category were awarded a sash and were as follows:

AGE
10-13 YR OLD Male: Cole Reuben (50:52) Female:Hazel Longboat (29:21)

14-18 YR OLD Male:Eric Kowalik (20:46) Female:Gus Jonathan (27:28)

19-24 YR OLD Male:Levi Winnie (24:03) Female: Brenda Sundown (29:01)

25-32 YR OLD Male:Morey Ground (27:58 ) Female:Megan Logan (25:29)

33-40 YR OLD Male:Yub Abrams (53:05) Female:Renee Printup (29:40)

41-49 YR OLD Male:Harvey Longboat (22:40) Female:LuAnn Jamieson (31:48)

50+ YR OLD Male:Bob Kowalik (21:41) Female:Patti Logan (37:16)

OLDEST Male:Darwin Hill (52:57) Female:Angie Ground (53:05)

YOUNGESTMale:Cole Reuben (50:52) Female:Abby Stone (50:37)

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Punzi Abrams and her Family!

All in all it was a great day with everyone taking advantage of so many exhibitions and competitions. There was also a Frisbee toss and a Double Ball Game as well as a Hatchet Throwing exhibition. There were native crafters and singers and much, much more. The public is always welcome to participate in this event. Mark your calendars early for the first Sunday in August in order not to miss it next year!