A message of peace echoed across the Museum of Indian Culture’s 46th Annual Roasting Ears of Corn Festival as hundreds of visitors gathered Aug. 15-16 to celebrate Native American culture through music, dance, food and educational exhibits.

The festival, held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, featured performances by the Youngblood Singers of the Shinnecock Nation and the White Buffalo Singers of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. David White Buffalo of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe served as master of ceremonies, guiding visitors through the day’s events while sharing cultural traditions and history.

Jarid Ridgeway of Red Blanket Entertainment in South Jersey provided music throughout the festival. Ridgeway is a member of the Nanticoke-Lenape community. Arena Director Bart Cartwright of the Lenape Tribe helped keep the program running on schedule.

A highlight of the weekend was a performance by Bill Miller of the Mohican Tribe, who combined music and storytelling during his set. Before performing his song, “The Storm,” Miller encouraged the crowd to embrace a simple but powerful message.

“We have to choose peace,” he said, drawing applause from festival attendees.

The daily Grand Entry began at noon and included the flag song, victory song, posting of the colors and veterans song. Veterans in attendance were invited to participate in the ceremony.

Festivalgoers also enjoyed performances by dancers from the Native American Dance Theater and the Salinas Family of Mexico City, known as the Aztec Fire Dancers. Aiden Ford and Li’Ana Little Bird Ellis, both of the Nanticoke Nation, served as head dancers. Sicanni Purizaca entertained audiences with traditional Inca flute music.

Entertainment continued throughout the day with intertribal dances, blanket dances and candy dances that invited audience participation.

Beyond the performances, more than 20 vendors offered handcrafted items, artwork and cultural displays. Sue Reichard, a member of Emmaus High School’s Class of 1996, attended the festival with Lou Lukashonak. The pair explored the exhibits and shopped among the vendors.

Katrina Fisher’s Plains tepee encampment offered visitors a glimpse into the lives of Native peoples who lived on the Canadian Plains. Boy Scout Troop 93 of Northampton hosted tomahawk-throwing activities, while artisan and woodworker Val Kobring of Hawkeye’s Nest demonstrated flute making. Lawrecine Harris showcased the art of sweetgrass basket weaving.

Children found plenty of activities as well. Whispering Springs Farms of Walnutport provided pony rides, and a kids craft area offered face painting and hands-on projects.

Jon Gallo of Staten Island, N.Y., attended with his children, Jaxson and Addison, who enjoyed taking home Native American drum spinners as souvenirs.

A silent auction held in the Spring House raised funds for the Museum of Indian Culture. Auction items included paintings, books, plates, dolls and artifacts.

Food remained one of the festival’s biggest attractions. Visitors sampled buffalo burgers, salmon bites, chili, Indian tacos, fry bread and roasted corn on the cob.

Lauren Gabrielli and Linda Hyman of Bethlehem described the roasted corn as “delicious and sweet.”

According to Rich Bealer of Northampton’s Troop 93, volunteers prepared 1,200 ears of corn and 40 watermelons for each day of the festival. The troop also cooked peach cobbler over roasted coals for visitors.

Throughout the weekend, attendees had opportunities to meet Native American performers, artists and educators representing a variety of tribal nations and cultural traditions.

“There are more than 500 nations throughout the United States,” White Buffalo told the crowd, adding, “A Native American always finds his way home.”

For many visitors, the festival provided not only entertainment but also a deeper understanding of Native American history, culture and community, while reinforcing a message that resonated throughout the weekend: choosing peace.