WELLS — The Wells Chamber of Commerce and the New Hampshire Inter-Tribal Native American Council proudly announce the 16th Annual “Val Ranco” Pow Wow to be held on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 at Wells Harbor Park.

Pow Wow hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the event will include dancing, drumming, flute music, vendors, storytelling, auction, and an evening session.  Performers include Host Eastern Drum-Eastern Medicine, Guest Eastern Drum-Mountain Spirit, Guest Eastern Drum-Medicine Bear. and Peter Newell as emcee.  Flute music will be performed by assorted musicians.

The Grand Entry is at noon on Saturday.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children 12 and under, children under 6 are free.

The public is cordially invited, but no drugs or alcohol are allowed.

The Wells Harbor Park Free Concert Series is teaming with the Pow Wow and will feature the band “The Bel Airs,” featuring a danceable mix with an authentic but eclectic bluesy-country-soul and rock ‘n roll sound that is influenced by the likes of Wilson Picket, Slim Harpo, and Johnny Cash.  The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The Pow Wow schedule is as follows:

Saturday     

9 a.m.  Gates/Vendors Open

10 a.m. Flute Playing-Various Artists

11 a.m.  Storytelling

Noon, Grand Entry

2 p.m. Break Events

3 p.m. Resume Dancing

5 p.m. End Dance Session

Sunday

9 a.m.  Gates/Vendors Open

10 a.m. Flute Playing-Various Artists

11 a.m.  Storytelling

Noon, Grand Entry

2 p.m. Break Events

3 p.m. Resume Dancing

5 p.m. Pow Wow ends

Valentine E. Ranco (Little Deer) passed away in June of 2008 at the age of 96 years.  She was born on the Penobscot  Indian Reservation in Old Town Maine and at the time of her death was the oldest member of the tribe.  She was very proud of her heritage and was very interested and active in the welfare and progress of the tribe.  Born on Feb. 17, 1912, Valentine was given her name by her mother, Marie Lewis Morris, since she was expected on Valentine’s Day, arriving only a few days late.  She lived her early years on Orson Island with her grandparents, Louis and Lizzie Lolar, while her mother worked to support them.  When she was 5 years old, she was transported by canoe to attend school on Indian Island, which was taught by nuns.

Valentine lived a full life, and with her husband, Leslie J. Ranco, owned and operated the Indian Moccasin Shop on Route 1 in Wells for more than 50 years (now run by her daughter June Lane).  She enjoyed making Indian crafts, knitting, sewing, gardening, music, dancing, playing cards and board games with her grandchildren and cooking and feeding anyone who visited.  She was one of the original members of St. Mary’s Sodality at St. Mary’s Church in Wells.

Parking Notice

The Town of Wells has revised the parking pattern for events at Wells Harbor Park.  The parking lot at the harbor across from the entrance to Harbor Park is now reserved exclusively for cars/trucks with boat trailers.  In addition, cars will only be able to park on the north side of Harbor Road. 

To that end, a Satellite Parking area will be set up at the Wells Junior High School.  Complimentary service will be available to shuttle people from the Satellite Parking to the entrance to the Pow Wow.