Mid-Winter Fair Events Invite Participation
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Mid-Winter Fair events are in full swing this week, and the Fort Belknap Mid-Winter Fair Committee invites area residents to take part in the fun. The theme for this year’s fair is “Envisioning the Future, Embracing the Past.”
Today, February 5, the Fort Belknap Child Support Program will host a Family Strengthening presentation from 10:00 until 1:00 at the Child Support Office, located at 781 Agency Main Street in the Old Diabetes Trailer. The community is invited to come listen to elder stories and to enjoy a warm meal. Door prizes will be drawn every hour during the program. People desiring added details can call 353-4230.
Beginning at approximately 12:45 today, there will also be a Baby Parade at the Bingo Hall on Fort Belknap Agency. Books and other novelties will be given to each participant. Those seeking additional information should call Katrese at 353-3156.
Tomorrow, February 6, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) is sponsoring a Chili Contest. For further information, entry forms, and contest rules, cooks are encouraged to contact the SDPI office at 353-8502 or 353-8538.
In response to the diabetes epidemic among American Indians and Alaska Natives, Congress established the SDPI grant programs in 1997. This $150 million annual grant program, coordinated by Indian Health Services (IHS) Division of Diabetes with guidance from the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee, provides funds for diabetes treatment and prevention to IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian health programs across the United States. The program is said to be changing the course of diabetes in Indian Country.
One of the key components in such a program is education, and the medical profession continues to make strides in the study of causes and treatments for conditions such as diabetes. While medication, sleep, stress, and time of day can all play a role in diabetes management, research and medical experts agree that diet is another vitally important factor since specific food choices can have a direct effect on blood sugar levels
Beans, for example, are a great source of soluble fiber and an inexpensive source of protein that is low on the glycemic index, making them ideal for preventing big swings in blood sugar levels. As a result, the American Diabetes Association advises people with diabetes to add dried beans or no-sodium canned beans to several meals each week. These facts make beans a healthy dietary choice.
Furthermore, research presented at the National Heart Foundation conference in 2013 and the Nutrition Society of Australia conference also in 2013 suggests that the addition of small amounts of chili to a normal diet may help type-2 diabetics control their post meal glucose levels.
Also on Thursday, the Bingo Hall will play host to a Quick-Draw Contest. The Mid-Winter Fair Committee is seeking artists to produce an 8” x 9” or larger canvas in any genre, style, or medium in a thirty-minute time frame. Entry is free, no pre-registration is necessary, and artists can simply show up for the Quick-Draw. The winner will be awarded a $200 purse. If a sufficient number of youth express an interest, the committee would consider adding a youth category. The contact person for the art show and its related events is Brad Shields, 353-2601.
Then, on Friday, February 7, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., there will be a Youth Carnival at the Bingo Hall. Carnival activities will include a Basketball Shoot Around, Cake Walk, Cookie Decorating Station, Mechanical Bull, Musical Chairs, Board Games, and Bouncy Houses.
KGVA will be broadcasting live throughout the day, and prizes will be given away, as well.
Another Friday event at the Bingo Hall is a pie-eating contest sponsored by Aaniiih Nakoda College’s (ANC) USDA Extension Program. Registration is from 1:00-1:30 p.m. with the contest to immediately follow. The point of contact for this event is Manny Morales, ANC Extension Program Director, 353-2607.
Friday evening at 6:30, the Fiddle, Waltz, and Jig Contests will take place with categories for both adults and youth. First place in all three categories will be $300; second place will win $200, and third place will waltz away with $100.
In the Youth Category, the top prize is $100; second takes $75, and third wins $50.
Event organizer Robert Fox reported that he is still seeking sponsorships for the contests. “You can sponsor the whole category or one place,” Fox said.
For more information about the Fiddle, Waltz, and Jig Contest, interested individuals can contact Fox at (406) 673-7864 (cell) or (406) 673-3773.
