FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are inviting everyone in the community to the Fort Hall Reservation to celebrate the 60th annual Indian Festival this week.

The festival will start on Thursday and end on Sunday. This year’s theme is “Celebrating and Continuing Years of Strength and History.”

“For six decades, our Festival has been a cherished tradition, uniting generations through culture, community and celebration,” Fort Hall Business Council Chair Donna Thompson said in ta recent news release from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. We honor those who came before us and continue to carry forward the spirit and resilience of our people.”

Throughout the four days, the festival will feature several events for people of all ages. The Annual Festival Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the east end of Agency Road. The leader of the parade will be adult grand marshal Belma Truchot Colter, who is the first Miss Shoshone-Bannock. The youth grand marshal for the parade will be two-time high school state Champion wrestler Keanna Conrad.

Another highlight of the festival is the competitive powwow at the Delbert Farmer Festival Arbor that will feature champion dancers and drum groups from across Indian Country, the news release said. There will be a children’s powwow in addition to the main powwow.

Grand Entry for the children’s powwow will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The Grand Entry times for the main powwow are 7 p.m. on Friday, both 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Grand Entry is a ceremonial procession where dancers, flag bearers and other participants enter the arena.

Other events that will take place during the festival are softball and golf tournaments, Indian relay races, a horseshoe tournament and the All-Indian Art Show.

The most anticipated part of the festival is the crowning of Miss Shoshone-Bannock, a young woman who serves as a role model in the community and an ambassador for the people. This year, the four young women vying for the title are Jasmine Coby, Myke Moore, Danella Murphy and Scarlette Stagner.

The new royalty will be crowned following the Friday night Grand Entry, followed by a special recognition for past titleholders and current Miss Shoshone-Bannock, Dystnee Rope.

Festival Coordinator Leah Tindore said in the news release that she looks forward to the festival every year.

“It’s more than just a celebration,” Tindore said.. “It’s a reminder of who we are and where we come from. I’ve grown up watching my community pour their hearts into this weekend, and now I get to be a part of that magic. I hope everyone who joins us feels the beauty of it all, like they’re part of something timeless.”

Attendees can purchase a full schedule of the events in the Sho-Ban News Festival Edition. It can be found at Sho-Ban News stands on the festival grounds as well as T.P. Gas, Trading Post Grocery Store, Donzia Gift Shop, Blue Corner Store, Fort Hall Museum, Sage Hill Travel Center and Bannock Peak Truck Stop.

The Tribes expressed gratitude in the news release for everyone who comes together to make the festival possible every year. More information can be found at shobanfestival.com/about.