In our small town, which is nestled in the heart of Texas, the annual Pow Wow is way more than just a tradition--it is the event of the year.
Each October, local folks along with many other out of town visitors, line the streets to prepare for the Pow Wow Parade.
This event all began in 1988 as a way to celebrate the rich heritage of Native Americans. In a certain area of our town there is a creek called as Battle Creek. Many Native American artifacts have been found along this area.
Battle Creek is the site of a battle in 1839 between Native American Chief Bowles's and his people against Texas troops. The earliest documented inhabitants of the area known as Chandler were Delaware, Cherokee and Kickapoo Indians.
YES....the Pow Wow always kicks off with a grand parade and of course, our local High School Band fires up the crowd with the playing of their instruments and the beating of the drums. I love watching the kids as they stand in awe of the floats passing by. They stand there holding their little bags, just waiting to fill them with the candy being thrown by those riding on the floats.
I was amazed at how many Food vendors there were this year. As Trista (my oldest daughter) and I walked the grounds, the smell of food was enticing us to explore our options. The Fried Egg rolls are always a big hit....I know I smelled BBQ. I mean....a Texan can always smell Hickory smoked BBQ. I saw an Ice Cream trailer along with vendors selling Fried Pies, Corn of the Cob, Hamburgers, and kinds of savory and sweet delights.
Wouldn't you know it....Trista and I both left our wallets (hidden) in her locked car. We had to walk about 200 + yards to get from our parade viewing area, to the grounds where everything was set up.
Neither one of us had any money in our pockets......not even a single penny!! lol.
We filled up on the comforting aromas of food, which was coming at us in all directions.
I actually saw a few people that I have not seen in probably 30 years or so.
Many local artist displayed their crafts at booths scattered throughout the festival. They were showcasing their many talents.
The Pow Wow is more than just a celebration....it is like a Homecoming of some sorts.
The community comes together to celebrate the history of the town, and gives us the opportunity to see friends who perhaps no longer live in the area.
The weather was perfect, and what I witnessed was simply many smiling faces, kids laughing and filled with wonder, and pure enjoyment from the crowd of people.
Shug..
That looks like so much fun! I am glad you had a good time, wishing you a beautiful week ahead. smiles
ReplyDeleteHi Linda...It was a wonderful day. Hope your week ahead is a great one as well
DeleteWow, this is so cool! Is Battle Creek the home of the famous cereal? I love the header with you in front of the huge load of pumpkins. Your hair is blowing in the wind and you look so pretty! So, I want to know what you bought and what you ate!
ReplyDeleteNo...not that Battle Creek...and this little creek at certain times of the year would not even qualify as a creek. I bought nothing and we ended up driving in to town to eat a sandwich shop. lol
DeleteSuch a fabulous festival, Shug! You did get lots of great photos, too. Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteHi Martha. thank you...it is a nice event for a small town. We enjoyed the day,
DeleteSounds like fun. We have an annual Pow Wow in our town, put on by our local tribe the Wintu. Approximately 10,000 people come each year to watch dancers from across the United States and Canada compete. There’s traditional singing, drumming, and dancing. It’s very nice.
ReplyDeleteHere’s a video I took a couple of years ago. https://youtu.be/HkYHugznwZE?feature=shared
that is a lot of people in attendance. Ours is not near that big. maybe 1,500 or so people.. Our little town is not big at all. It would remind you of a quaint little town on Hallmark Christmas channel. Nice video.
DeleteThat festival sounds like such fun ... and I learned something!
ReplyDeleteNot unlike how (our) Millbrook and Mobile celebrate Mardi Gras. I didn't realize until moving here, Mobile was actually the birthplace of Mardi Gras in 1703.
I don't think I could be as strong (as you) and forego that yummy food. Cute header photo!
I just learned something as well...I did not realize that Mobil even celebrated Mario Gras. Interesting. Lol...we had no choice on the food...neither of us had any money on us. lol
ReplyDeleteYou might not have gotten any food - but you sure got some great photos. Very interesting to hear about the history of the POW-WOW. I learned something I didn't know.
ReplyDeleteHi Shug~ That Pow Wow looks like sooo much fun! I love your header photo, you looked so cute sitting on the pumpkin truck! What a great history you have in your community. I always love to hear the histories of different places. I always find out that we all have so much in common. So sad about not having any money with you! In my case, that would have been a good thing ;0) The smells of food venders in the fall is almost too much to resist! Thanks for sharing, I loved it! Hugs, Barb
ReplyDeleteSeasonal activities is something I also look forward to...
ReplyDeleteIt must be fun to see so many people working together for this festivity to be realized. It is also vital for us to enjoy, to get out of our normal routine, mingle with those we have not gotten in touch with for some time... the photos are great, by the way. Regards!
It sounds like such a wonderful tradition. It reminds me of the series The Good Witch takes place in a small town community and they have lots of fun activities like this. So funny about the food- you must have been surprised when you realized your money was in the car. If always keep at least one credit card in my bra or pocket. Your photos are great and it looks like a fun time for all!! Great community spirit!!
ReplyDeleteThere is something special about a Pow Wow. We have them here, as well. Very sacred time. We lived near a reserve in Muskoka, central Ontario.
ReplyDelete