BELOIT, WI – Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit celebrated its grand opening Oct. 23 with a day of ceremonies, cultural activities and entertainment. The celebration began at 9 a.m. with DJ Choko Loco, followed by a flag-raising ceremony featuring Joe White Eagle, American Legion Post 556 Sanford White Eagle Post and the Lake Delton Singers.
Speakers included Ho-Chunk Nation Traditional Chief Clayton Winneshiek, former Ho-Chunk Nation President JoAnn Jones, Ho-Chunk Nation Vice President Lambert Cleveland Jr., Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Bean, Steven Abangan, Ho-Chunk Gaming Executive Manager, and Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer. Chance Rush served as emcee.
Tribal leaders, construction and project representatives and local and state officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. More than 100 dancers and 13 drum groups registered for a mini pow-wow, including Bearheart, Blackdeer, Indian Trail, Iron Mound, Lake Delton Singers, Little Priest Singers, Twin Tails, Waterspirit Drum, Winnebago Sons, Ho-Chunk Station, Bad Fish Creek Singers, Wisconsin Dells Singers and Thunderbear. Elliott Funmaker served as arena director.
The grand opening also featured entertainment from Melody Best, Garrett Weite, DJ Bizzon, Pinkerton Xyloma, Sting Ray Anthony, Wayne the Wizzard, Barry Britton, Mariachi Monarcas, Anthony Baca and DJ TRZN.
“This marks an exciting new chapter for Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit and the entire community,” said Steven Abangan, Ho-Chunk Gaming Executive Manager. “We are proud to welcome our guests and celebrate this grand opening with the people who helped make this vision a reality.”
