Owámni Falling Water Festival / 3rd Avenue Bridge Events Along the Riverfront

Submitted by Mill District resident Doug Verdier, photos by Nancy Verdier

On October 9th we visted both the 3rd Avenue Bridge project display on Main Street near the East side of the bridge, and the Owamni Falling Waters Festival at Father Hennepin Bluff Park and Water Works Park. There was a lot going on all afternoon at all three locations!

On the Father Hennepin side, the Owamni Falling Waters Festival featured Native American music performed in the band shell, dance exhibitions, a large variety of craft booths and food as well as games. We stayed for a drum circle performance by Native drummers in the band shell and watched a really active game that looked like lacrosse next to that area. We missed the dance performance, I’m sorry to report. There were lots of visitors to both parts of the Festival, so I’d consider it a success. 

Just a side note, as the Festival was ending around 5pm and people were starting to depart, I noticed an American Eagle soaring high above the Father Hennepin Bluff Park location where much of the activity had been going on all afternoon. The eagle was just gliding along and made two complete circles above the park area while many of the participants were still there. The eagle actually made audible sounds while circling. I thought this was a fitting salute to the Native American people who organized and participated in the events to celebrate Owamni Falling Waters and Indigenous Peoples Day tomorrow, October 11. After circling, the eagle just glided off to the South following the river. It kind of gave me a chill seeing that.

Water Works Park featured lots of food, crafts and entertainment outdoors as well as inside the Owamni by the Sioux Chef restaurant located in the park pavilion building.

Crowds were steady throughout the day and everyone seemed to enjoy the mild weather despite the clouds.

The red trailer featuring bison burgers was especially popular with hungry festival goers.

Below, a display and information about the 3rd Avenue Bridge project was set up across from Wilde Cafe on Main Street. An engineer (yellow vest) was on hand to explain aspects of the project and answer questions. Scale models of parts of the structure were displayed. I actually learned a lot talking with the engineer who staffed the Bridge display. He had some great photos and models of various aspects of the project.