By Randle Ferrari
The Indian Princess program thrives on one essential ingredient many families crave but rarely find enough of: intentional time. As Carlos Delgado, current chief of the victorious Cherokee tribe, explains, “The Indian Princess program creates something every family needs—time. Time for fathers to connect, to lead, and to build lifelong memories with their daughters through traditions, campouts, and shared experiences.” That spirit was on full display at this year’s nation cook-off, one of the program’s most anticipated local traditions. The excitement on the children’s faces when the Cherokee name was announced as the winner made the moment unforgettable.
The program is fortunate to be filled with talented and passionate families, including culinary standouts like Steve Zhu. “Indian Princess is a deeply enriching program,” he says. “It allows fathers to build meaningful bonds with their daughters and connect with other like-minded dads. I can’t think of a better way to do that than our annual cook-off, which blends teamwork,
competition, and great food.”
Each year adds its own layer of memories. Last year’s Cherokee entry—cheesesteak eggrolls—felt like a sure win, while the prior year’s pizza-themed cook-off brought laughter and camaraderie through flying dough and friendly rivalry. The Seminole nation deserves special recognition for consistently hosting these events with style and precision. Meanwhile, the kids enjoy attractions that make the day magical: snow cones that leave blue-stained smiles, bounce houses filled with laughter, obstacle courses testing limitless energy, and this year’s surprise favorite—henna tattoos that transformed small hands into works of art.
Set against the scenic backdrop of an equestrian center, the cook-off itself is a sensory celebration. Eight tribes transform their booths into bustling kitchens, filling the air with the aroma of sizzling creativity. The Arapahoe tribe impressed with an outstanding booth display, earning well-deserved recognition. Ultimately, the Cherokee tribe claimed top honors with Cheeto-crusted chicken fingers and crispy waffle fries—a bold, crunchy creation that delighted the judges. The presence of the mayor and local commissioners as impartial tasters elevated the competition, reinforcing the program’s strong ties to the broader community.
While cook-offs are memorable, camping remains the heart of the Indian Princess experience. Upcoming trips to Fish Eating Creek and Camp Geneva promise evenings around campfires, marshmallows under star-filled skies, and shared stories that linger long after the tents come down. Tribes arrive in full force—often eight to twenty-five dads with one to four children each—working together to set up camps, prepare meals, and clean up afterward. It’s an environment that fosters responsibility, teamwork, and connection.
Beyond camping and cook-offs, the program offers charity drives, creative crafts, parades, daddy-daughter dances, derby car races, and unique outings that surprise and inspire. These experiences explain why Indian Princess has endured for over a century. For fathers seeking meaningful ways to connect with their daughters, the adventure is waiting.
Dads with children ages 5–10 in Broward or Palm Beach counties can learn more at
www.seminolenation.org or by emailing big5@seminolenation.org.
