Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (July 15, 2025) – Oneida Indian Nation Member Elaina Cook, of the Wolf Clan, has been selected to serve as princess for the Six Nations Agricultural Society Indian Village at the 2025 New York State Fair. Each year, one of the Six Nations is given the honor of selecting a young woman to represent their nation and serve as Indian Village Princess throughout the 13-day event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
One of nine siblings, Elaina comes from a large and supportive family. She is a 2023 graduate from Oneida High School with an Advanced Regents Diploma and is currently pursuing a degree in accounting at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY while working within the retail operations at Turning Stone Enterprises.
“I wanted to be Princess to represent my Nation and set a good example for other Oneida youth,” said Elaina, who is no stranger to the Indian Village. “I want them to be proud of who they are, and to be proud of their heritage,” she continued. She takes great pride in her family’s tradition of beadwork and is often seen helping her mother, Mary, at the Indian Village and local craft fairs. Deeply proud of her Oneida heritage, Elaina is excited to share her culture with visitors at the State Fair.
In her duties as princess, Elaina will welcome visitors to the Village, share information on her Oneida heritage and participate in daily presentations and dances on the Turtle Mound.
“The Oneida Indian Nation is honored to have Elaina serve as this year’s princess for the Six Nations Agricultural Society Indian Village,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter. “Gathering with the other Haudenosaunee nations to share our rich history, culture, and traditional hospitality with State Fair visitors reflects the enduring values our people have upheld since time immemorial—living in peace, unity, and friendship.”
The Six Nations Agricultural Society Indian Village unites the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora nations for thirteen days to exhibit the American Indian history and culture of upstate New York. Traditional Haudenosaunee music, dance, crafts, art and more will be featured at the Village throughout the Fair.
Traditional social dances are held daily at 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. on the Turtle Mound. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Haudenosaunee dishes and American favorites at the Soup House, known for offering some of the most affordable food at the Fair. Native American/Six Nations Day takes place on Friday, August 29, with free admission for members of federally recognized Indian nations. That afternoon at 3:00 p.m., the Indian Village will host its popular Smoke Dance competition.
Oneida Day at the Indian Village will take place on Wednesday, August 27 with a special program taking place at 2:00 p.m. on the Turtle Mound. Visitors will be able to learn more about the rich history and culture of the Oneida people, as well as the thriving Oneida community of today.
The Indian Village is a beautiful, shady, park-like setting located closest to the Gate 4 entrance to the Fairgrounds, which are located in the town of Geddes, just west of the city of Syracuse. The New York State Fair will run from Wednesday, August 20 to Monday, September 1, 2025. The Fairgrounds are open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, with most buildings open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.