Gift of the Waters Pageant and Discovery Days planned

Two events are being planned for the first weekend in August, the Gift of the Waters Pageant and Wyoming Discovery Days.

Gift of the Waters Pageant

The Gift of the Waters Pageant is traditionally held the first weekend in August and is set for August 6 and 7.

The Pageant tells the story of how the hot springs were transferred to the US Government by the Native Americans.

Articles of agreement were signed at the Shoshone agency on April 21, 1896 for a 10-mile square of the Wind River Indian Reservation.

The first signature was that of Chief Washakie, a Shoshone, and the second was Chief Sharp Nose, an Arapahoe.

The treaty was ratified by the government, and a one-mile tract of land embracing all the springs, was given to the state of Wyoming and it was made a state park. At that time, the town of Thermopolis was moved six miles south to its present site adjoining the Hot Spring.

In accordance to the wishes of Chief Washakie, the Wyoming legislature in 1899 set aside one-fourth of the water of the Big Spring for free use, thus the State Bath House remains free of charge to this day.

The first Gift of the Waters Pageant was performed in 1925.

The 2022 Gift of the Waters Pageant will be performed starting at 6 p.m. on August 6 and 7 in the area around the Big Spring.

The Pageant Days Parade will be Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. with Native Americans dancing at the flagpole after the parade.

Discovery Days

Wyoming Discovery Days, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7 in Hot Springs State Park celebrates Wyoming’s unique cultural heritage through stories, music, food, art, and demonstrations. 

“There will be lots going on both days and there will be new things added too” according to Audra Dominguez, Festival Director. 

Dominguez noted the addition of new demonstrators, a Dachshund Race, the Rocky Mountain Food Faire with plenty of food and drinks, music with Jalan Crossland (Ten Sleep) and also Prairie Wildfire (Casper) and new on Sunday, Wyoming Authors Book Signings. Authors, each at their assigned time, will talk about what inspires them to write, where they get their subjects and will be available to answer question. Each will have signed books for sale. All sales also benefit the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center. 

The lineup of demonstrators showcases a multitude of talent from Wyoming’s hands-on traditions. There will be demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.  The festival is open to the public without charge. 

Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Humanities Council, and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund have provided special funding to help with the event.  There is additional funding from local and state sponsors including the public and private sector.

A complete Wyoming Discovery Days Folk Festival schedule is now available at wyomingdiscoverydays.org. Schedule subject to change.

Contact info@wyomingdiscoverydays.org for specific inquiries or visit wyomingdiscoverydays.org. Look for Festival Information at the tepee on the festival grounds.