Despite heat, powwow attracts crowd

Jul. 25—Though the weather has been broiling, the Standing Arrow Powwow in Elmo last weekend went on as planned from July 18-21. The first grand entry was at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Mike Kenmille carried the eagle staff, and the Veteran's Warrior Society posted the colors.

A $20,000 drum contest brought drum groups to the powwow, and $50,000 was the payout in contest dancing.

A new stick-game pavilion was home to the $10,000 stick game tournament. Also planned was co-ed softball and a fun run.

The Elmo community served four meals to their powwow guests.

Mike Sanchez, from Washington, was the master of ceremonies and kept the powwow moving and the crowd laughing at his jokes. The Tiny Tots dance category may not have paid the most, but the kids were happy with their five-dollar bills and sacks of candy.

In the drum contest, competitors were Bad Canyon, Chief Cliff, Eagle Pass, Southern Cree, and Spring Creek. Non-contest drums included Bad Eagle, Badger Tail, Flickr Tail, High Wind, Hold Your Horses, Napi, Plenty Horses, Red Sand, Sovia Kapi and South Medicine.

Many contestants and audience members said they were heading to Flathead Lake before and after powwow sessions for a cool dip.