Snowsnake
Traditional Snowsnake Game to Be Held in Western New York Community of Salamanca
~First Public Demonstration of Centuries Old Game to Be Held in Years~
A Snowsnake competition to see who can throw a snowsnake (a six-foot long specially prepared wooden stick) the furthest… at speeds that can reach over 100 miles an hour along a quarter-mile snow track, will be held on February 27 (Saturday) and 28 (Sunday) in this Western New York community.
The event, which begins each day at 11 a.m. adjacent to the Salamanca Rail Museum, is a rare public demonstration of an traditional sport that was used over the centuries by the First Nations people to sharpen their hunting skills. The competition is being called by the Onoville Team, sponsored by the OHI:YO’ GA:WA:SA’ Booster Club, with 12-14 teams from Western New York and Southern Ontario expected to participate.
“This is the first time in years the public will be able to see this sport,” said Chris Jimerson. This event is pretty exciting when you think that they’re going to be throwing these snowsnakes along a track that’s the length of four football fields. There will be both adults and kids competing and there will be Seneca Nation representatives on hand to answer any questions visitors have about the sport. And there will be food and refreshments available. All in all it promises to be a unique experience for kids and adults alike.
