The 44th Annual Shoshone-Bannock Festival started Thursday in Fort Hall.

Tribal members say the festival has attracted people from across the country and they expect it to be a success for the local economy.

The Shoshone-Bannock Festival is bringing revenue to Fort Hall and spreading it to other parts of the state.

Richard Kutch, Jr., Treasurer, Shoshone-Bannock Council: "It also does a great thing for the surrounding communities - Pocatello, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls. We're told all their hotels are sold out and they eat at their restaurants, stay at their motels, buy gas and what not, so it's real good for all the whole surrounding Southeastern Idaho local economy."

Tribal members say the festival draws nearly 10,000 people and is the the fourth largest Pow-Wow in the world.

Richard Kutch, Jr., Treasurer, Shoshone-Bannock Council: " They come from all over the world, all over the United States. Like in Indian land, we talk about the four directions - our brothers and sisters come from all over from the four directions to help us celebrate."

And along with bringing in money, the festival also gives the tribes a chance to share their culture.

Randyl Teton, Shoshone-Bannock Tribe "We're thriving and this is our time to show our local community just who we are and we are very proud of it. As you can see we have tee-pee encampments. We got cultural games going on. Every day is just jam-packed with activities."

The Shoshone-Bannock Festival has been around for more than four decades and is looking forward to celebrating many more.

Randyl Teton, Shoshone-Bannock Tribe: "We got a lot of things going on and happening for Fort Hall and hopefully over the next ten years, there's gonna be a spurt of growth."

The festival runs through Sunday. Tonight at 7:00, there will be a Pow-Wow honoring children and veterans.