The Dodson Fair and the Gros Ventre

Editor's Note: This historic piece was written by former Dodson resident Cecelia Lankford about 10-years ago as a journal entry. Cecelia passed away last spring at the age of 101, but after the celebration of the 100th Phillips County Fair two week' ago, her family thought this would be a good time for Cecelia to share her memories from nearly 100 years ago. Thank you to the Lankford and Ereaux families for sharing this with the PCN.

Years ago, as long as I can remember, the Gros Ventre people were one of the main attendees at the Dodson Fair.

I remember how happy we would be when the day arrived when we would see the first of many wagons come down the road from the mountains.

They would setup camp at our ranch and stay there that first night. We would visit every tent and also gather up all the young people and play games and visit. I suppose I, myself, would more or less be in the way of the large ones as I was quite young. I can't remember much of anyone telling me to get lost.

Well, anyway, everyone visited way into the night.

The next day they pulled out for Dodson. The Fair Board treated them to beef and a lot to eat. Also a good campground.

They led the parade on each day. People from all over came to the fair as there was not many fairs going on those days.

It seems to me they all had real beaded costumes. Also, they had a teepee pitching contest and also the prettiest costumes. Cake was given as prizes.

Mr. Edgar Lee was the fair chairmen for years and he was also a very good friend to the Indians. Also, he was always seen at our Indian fair.

After the fair was over, the most of the people would camp at our place again and everyone had a good time.

My father would butcher a beef and pass it out. Also, we would have another dance until early morning.

I always hated to see this time of the year come to an end – it would leave me feeling so lonely but, there was always next year