A Look Back In Time at the Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary Indian Market

· 2002

In a symbolic move, the Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary relocated the Indian market to Steele Indian School Park. From 1899 through 1990, Steele Park housed a federal, off-reservation boarding school for Indian children who were to be assimilated into mainstream Americans. While the primary mission of the school failed, the outcome was educated Indians who blended a school-learned American identity with their own tribal culture and traditions. Today, the park is a place to honor and celebrate the Indian culture and introduce it to new generations.

· 1994

The 18th Annual Indian Market was held on December 10 & 11, 1994. Due to construction at the Pueblo Grande Museum, the event was moved to South Mountain Park's activity complex (just south of the Central and Baseline Road intersection.) It was an excellent facility for the event with a kitchen area for food and beverages, restrooms, entertainment arenas, ramadas, and paved parking.

· 1988

To date, the 1988 was the most successful Indian Market ever produced with nearly 21,000 visitors and participants attending the two-day event. The event was still staged on the grounds of the Pueblo Grande Museum; thus visitors could tour the museum displays, browse the Gift Shop, and utilize onsite restrooms. Staff reports indicate that the entertainment arranged in the round greatly increased the spectators' visibility of the dancers. The Archaeology of Kids program was well received and will be put on again during the 1989 Market. Interestingly, the demand for frybread continues to exceed expectations. It was noted that the 1989 planning committee must increase production capabilities to respond to the public's love of frybread.

· 1986

The Market continued its growth pattern with attendance this year reaching 9,132 people. There were 268 Indian exhibitors. Gross receipts totaled $16,562 and the Auxiliary netted nearly $12,500 to help the museum in its community education efforts. Food choices continued to be popular selling items with 4,972 fry bread tickets being sold over the two days; 669 chili tickets were sold; 4,126 beverage tickets were sold; and 600 cookie tickets were sold.

· 1985

The attendance this year grew to 6,507 with 190 Native American participants. The Market netted over $9,300 to aid the museum in its programs for the Phoenix community. Visitors to the Indian Market enjoyed eating as was noted in the 2248 tickets sold for fry bread; plain fry bread was the more popular choice with 1,501 tickets being sold for this variety. In addition, 771 tickets for chili were sold and 3,278 beverage tickets were sold.

· 1984

Indian Market showed a remarkable growth over the previous year by reaching an estimated 4,527 people. The Market also grew in the number of exhibitors attending, rising to 125 Native American participants. It netted $6,318, which was used to support various museum programs. This figure represents an increase of 82% over the income made at the 1983 Indian Market.

· 1983

Al Dearwester, Chairman of the 1983 Indian Market reported to the Auxiliary membership that eight-two craftsmen representing 22 tribes attended Pueblo Grande Indian Market 1983. "The entertainers were very good, and the Chicken Scratch Band kept everyone in a happy mood. There were over 3,000 people attending the two days, and altogether over $5,000 was taken in." It was noted in the official minutes that the drop in attendance was attributed to the NFL, Dallas / Washington, football game.

· 1978

Governor Bruce Babbitt officially designated December 9 & 10, 1978 as the "Annual Hohokam Commemoration and Indian Market Days Celebration". The event was held on the grounds of the Pueblo Grande Museum; there was no admission fee. A flyer about the event stated: No Indian traders or retailers are allowed. Only Indians are allowed to sell crafts that they have made. Indian craftsmen pay no fee for the space used by their displays nor any commission from individual sales. Indian musicians will play throughout the two-day celebration. Indian fry bread, beans, chili, soft drinks, and coffee will be available. Throughout the celebration, expert craftsmen shall demonstrate the art of pottery making, weaving, beadwork, silverwork and other traditional crafts. Total attendance at the 1978 Indian Market Days totaled 3,350 people. There were 41 Indian exhibitors.