Celebrate Connecticut's Green Corn Festival

The Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, CT, is holding its 19th annual Green Corn Festival on Sunday, August 11th from Noon to 4:00 pm at Hollow Park, 43 Hollow Road, in Woodbury This festival gives visitors a glimpse into Native American life and traditions.

Corn is an integral part of the annual lifecycle of Native American people who have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration for centuries. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, join IAIS Museum Staff as they welcome the first corn of the summer 2024 season with flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe), drumming, children’s activities curated by the Institute’s staff like making corn husk dolls to take home, and traditional stories told by a professional Native American Storyteller.

For shoppers and collectors, don’t miss the vendors that are selling Native American-inspired arts and crafts at a variety of price points. All the festivities are taking place in a conveniently located park just off of Rte. 6 in the heart of Woodbury with plenty of free parking. Cash is recommended for on-site purchases.

If you have always wondered what Indigenous food tastes like, you will be able to try some authentic Native American cuisine and more at the Green Corn Festival. Jason Cogswell Lamb, Schaghticoke, of Mashquanon’s Wetu will be cooking up some of his favorite contemporary and traditional Indigenous cuisine sure to delight the palette. A variety of other food trucks will be on-site, as well, providing a plethora of options including Latin American cuisine, hot dogs, and ice cream.

The annual highlight of the Green Corn Festival is the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Each dance performed has an uplifting and unique story or purpose. Some use movements that imitate animals and others represent an aspect of cultural significance. These traditional dances are sure to delight because they evoke the beauty, honor, and tradition of Native People. A Native American drum group will accompany the dance troupe, accompanying the performances, which will take place at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Admission for this event, held rain or shine, is $15 for Adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children and IAIS Members, and free for members’ children. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated, click here to register https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/13017.

About Green Corn

The expression “Green Corn” refers to the first ripened sweet corn that you can eat. The Green Corn Ceremony is marked with dancing, feasting, fasting, and religious observations. In the Eastern Woodland areas, Native people depended on three staples – corn, beans, and squash. These food items were so important that they were called “The Three Sisters.” The Three Sisters were mixed to make a vegetable dish called succotash that is still popular today.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.