THE BIG ONE

"THE CHANTERS" original monochrome by PAUL PLETKA THE BIG ONE Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Gallup New Mexico

Since 1922, America's outstanding Indian Exposition of Dancers, Sports, Arts and Crafts has been the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at Gallup, New Mexico. Conceived by a group of Indian traders in 1922 as a means of pointing up and intensifying the growing interest in Indians, their cultures and their arts and crafts, the Ceremonial has grown from a gathering of a few neighboring tribes to a concourse of thousands of Indians from many states, representing more than a score of tribes and cultures.Mornings they parade in their rich and colorful raiment sparkling with massive silver and turquoise adornment. The night programs are staged and performed with skill and meticulous precision.

For the Indian artists and craftsmen, the Inter-Tribal Exposition Hall is as important as the Kentucky Derby is to a horse breeder's stud book. This is the "prestige" show where awards and prize money motivate artists and craftsmen to the highest degree of competitive excellence. Traders and collectors look to the Inter-Tribal to set the standards for quality and ideas.

The following information is printed from the official fact sheet issued by the 1975 Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Association, an official agency of the State of New Mexico.

DATE - This year's Ceremonial will be held August 14, 15, 16, & 17. PLACE Scenic Red Rocks State Park, 7 miles east of Gallup, New Mexico on I-40. EVENTS & TIMES

Rodeo Four afternoons of the finest all Indian rodeo in the southwest. Time 2:00 P.M. daily.

Indian Dances - Three firelit evening performances and one afternoon of combined Indian dances and rodeo, featuring 200 Indian dancers from various tribes from across the country. Time - 8:30 P.M. nightly and at 2:00 P.M. Sunday in combination with the afternoon rodeo.

Parade A morning of colorful Indian parade through downtown Gallup streets. Time Saturday morning 10:00 Α.Μ.

Exhibit Hall Four days of the finest Indian Arts & Crafts in the United States. Time Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:00 A.M. till 8:00 P.M.; Sunday 11:00 A.M. till 5:00 P.Μ.

TICKETS

Advance ticket sales begin April 1st and will be sold at the following rates: Thursday afternoon rodeo, Thursday evening Indian dances, Friday afternoon rodeo; $3.00 adult and $1.50 children. Friday evening dances, Saturday afternoon rodeo, Saturday evening dance and Sunday afternoon combined performance; $5.00 adult and $2.50 children under 13 years of age.

Exhibit Hall tickets will be sold at the door $1.00 adult and 50¢ children, with all day return privileges.

RED ROCKS STATE PARK 1975

By August of 1975 Red Rocks State Park will consist of the following structures: The Arena A large multipurpose arena that will utilize the natural terrain and man made earth mounds in the beautiful Red Rock canyons to provide seating for 8,000 spectators. The arena will provide adequate space and support facilities to house major national rodeos and other horse and livestock events as well as major open-air performances such as the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial.

The Concessions Area and Performers Lounge In conjunction with the arena there will be a large 2 story building that will house a concession area that will furnish grandstand spectators with refreshments and food. There will also be a performers lounge with showers, lockers, lounge area and separate patio.

The Campgrounds There will be two major camping areas; one for general camping and the other for participants in major events held at the park. The general campgrounds will contain 70 spaces with emphasis on trailer and truck camper facilities. The participants campground will provide approximately 35 sites and act as an overflow area. Both areas will include electric hook-ups, dump stations, bathroom and shower facilities.

Trading Post The existing "Outlaw Trading Post" will remain in business to continue to serve the local Indian people at the Church Rock community. The Trading Post will also serve the campground visitors providing them with camping and related supplies. The old Trading Post will also serve as a convenient place for the posting of mail.

FUTURE EXPANSION OF RED ROCK STATE PARK

After the 1975 Ceremonial, construction will start on phase three of the development. This will include: A Multipurpose Culture Center As the name indicates this facility will serve a number of additional needs of the park complex. Incorporated into the center will be a museum, visitors center, gift shop, auditorium, seminar rooms, kitchen and a large Exhibit Hall.

CEREMONIAL PLANS

The Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial plans to lease the facility from the Joint Powers Association on a year round basis. In this way the Ceremonial intends to initiate the many programs that it has dreamed of for years.

The Ceremonial plans such activities as:

The unique feature of the Red Rocks State Park is the many activities that will be conducted at one time in one location. The modern campgrounds and the convention center will allow us to make a varied and informative presentation to the public in a systematic manner. The lectures and art presentations will be accompanied by performances and demonstrations by regional Indian artists and Indian culture and an opportunity to get a general overview of Indian life and history, but also week-end and week-long symposiums dealing with various subject areas in great detail. Visitors will be able to participate in craft-workshops and get to know and spend time with representatives of many different tribes. For the visitors to the southwest interested in learning about Indian culture this will be the one facility long needed dedicated to answering his many questions.