June 06, 2015 –
MAYETTA: Despite heavy rain fall that left the pow-wow grounds muddy and wet the pow-wow dancing and drum competition officially began today with a Grand Entry at 3 p.m. Dancing is expected to continue on into the evening to get as much in as possible to get back on schedule. Weather permitting, tomorrow’s Grand Entry will begin at noon.
Last night, a Grand Entry was held on the outskirts of the arena because the infield was too wet for dancing. Drum groups performed throughout the evening and people enjoyed the food and other vendors that were there.
Below are photographs taken by the News last night and earlier today:
Grand Entry Friday night outside the arena.
We-Ta-Se veterans (left to right) Glenn Levier, Tim Ramirez and Lorrie Melchior.
Food vendors began selling as soon as the park opened.
Black Bear (above) is host drum. Other drum groups are: Midnite Express; Indian Creek; Standing Horse; Meskwaki Nation; The Boyz; Tomahawk Circle; Bad Company; Medicine Tail; Young Bear; and Eagle Feather.
Members of the Mitchell family attended the pow wow last night. William Mitchell (far right holding child) gave the invocation today at the pow wow.
The family of Jim Potter (deceased) was on hand and are planning to offer a special recognition of Jim at tonight’s pow wow. Jim was on the Tribal Council and always one of the principle organizers of the pow wows.
Announcer Ruben Littlehead holds the microphone and with him is Isaiah Stewert, Announcer, and Wahpi Hale, Head Drum Judge.
Today’s Grand Entry with We-Ta-Se American Legion Post 410 leading the way.
Dancers were asked to dance in the middle where the ground was less muddy. The pow-wow committee worked hard to dry out the field with special equipment that was used.
Junior Wahweotten is on the Pow wow Committee and is helping to run the audio board. He also serves on the Tribal Council.
Jonah Littlesunday from Flagstaff, Arizona entertained pow wow visitors today during the delay of the Grand Entry. He is Navajo and has recently signed with Canyon Records.
Drum Roll Call is always a fun activity of the pow wow. This drum group member sang a Michael Jackson song and did a moon walk dance to warm up the crowd.
Cheyenne Brady, Miss Indian World, is participating in the pow wow this weekend.
Tribal Council met with county and state legislators this morning and had lunch.
Rose Jessepe (right) with her granddaughter Miss Indian Oklahoma.
Cars lining the road in Prairie Peoples Park and camping is always popular inside the park.