Lemmings are described as being: “noted for recurring mass migrations often terminated by drowning in the ocean.” While I have never done exactly that, I do feel a strange pull every year, and I am faced with the choice: am I going to Denver or not?
Yes, as it turns out, I am going. And the event that draws me is March Pow-Wow. Every year I have the same arguments with myself; it’s in Denver, parking is bad, it’s crowded, I don’t need to buy anything, etc. But I often go anyway, the weather was fine on Sat. so off I went.
They were still doing the Grand Entry (every single dancer is out dancing) when I got there, so a lot of dancers were crowded around the floor level waiting to go into the arena. This fancy dancer has a number on his arm, they do give out prizes for dancing and for being there to dance. Note the skateboard decks that are being sold in the booth behind him, a very niche sort of item.
There were lots of young women representing their tribes at the event, and, one must have a special and new dance outfit to wear.
And the dancers range in age.
This lot is almost ready to make an entrance, the MC will announce their tribal affiliation and style of dress.
Once the dancers enter the arena, they spiral around until the entire floor is covered with dancers, and of course the entire time a drum group is pounding out a song.
And at the head are the veterans, the MC listed the campaigns of each of the distinguished flag bearers. What is newer, is the number of women veterans and they have their own honor group.
Pow-wows are always the same and always different. This year there were more neon colored outfits than I remember, and next year the style will probably be slightly changed. And I will still be having an argument with myself over whether I should go.
