Plan to attend 69th Pageant

The Gift of the Waters Pageant is nearly ready to begin its 69th year as a staple of the summer in Thermopolis.

Held the first full weekend in August each year since 1950, this year it will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4, starting each evening at 6 p.m. at the Big Spring.

Written by Marie Montabe who had lived with the Shoshone people on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the historical pageant was first presented in 1925.

Featuring the Shoshone people who first gave the hot spring to the white man, the story tells of their gift to their “foreign brothers” with various dances, songs and soliloquies.

Locals join in the Pageant as well with the women’s chorus, complete with native dress. Any ladies may join the chorus by contacting Ellen Mortimore, director of the chorus, at 921-1063.

One of the largest attended productions each summer, crowds may be as high as 200 to 300 people on any given night. While there is some seating available, if you plan to attend it is a good idea to bring a blanket or your own folding chair to witness the hour-long show.

In preparation for the Pageant, each year the committee does fundraisers and seeks donations from companies and individuals to keep the show alive. In May this year, the committee had a special Fry Bread and Indian Taco fundraiser that enabled them to continue to present the historical pageant this year.