The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has extended an invitation to the public to attend their annual SMSC Wacipi (pronounced “wah-chee-pee”), a vibrant celebration scheduled to take place from Friday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 18. This cultural event is set to be held at the SMSC Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee, an open invitation promising a weekend filled with rich traditions, dance, and competition, as per Scott County Minnesota. The event is known not only to draw hundreds of dancers but also to attract thousands of visitors, indicating a profound community engagement each year.
A schedule packed full with events is in place for the weekend, with Grand Entries happening at 7 PM on Friday, Aug. 16, at 1 PM and 7 PM on Saturday, Aug. 17, capped off with a fireworks display at 10 PM, and a final Grand Entry at 1 PM on Sunday, Aug. 18, according to Scott County's official announcement. These Grand Entries serve as ceremonial openings that mark the start of festivities, steeped in tradition and showcasing the vibrant panoply of regalia and rhythmic steps deeply ingrained in the heritage of Native American peoples.
For those seeking to travel to the Wacipi without having to navigate the complexities of parking, free shuttle bus services will be available. With pickup points at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel’s hotel entrance, the Mystic Lake bus entrance, Hoċokata Ṫi, and Little Six Casino, the shuttles will start to operate from 4 PM - 2 AM on Aug. 16, 8 AM - 2 AM on Aug. 17, and 8 AM until the end of the Wacipi on Aug. 18, the county's website details. Preceding the weekend's main events, there is also an opportunity for the public to get a glimpse of the Wacipi during a free exhibition at the Mall of America rotunda, which is scheduled for 1 and 5 PM on Thursday, Aug. 15.
