Published: August 28, 2008 11:16 pm            

Tipton hosts Tecumseh Pow Wow

Annual event celebrates American Indian heritage

TIPTON — Once a year, the Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds hosts a two-day celebration of American Indian culture. This weekend marks the 48th annual Tecumseh Lodge Pow Wow.

Spectators can watch or participate in American Indian dancing, singing, authentic arts and crafts and traditional meals.

“In today’s environment, a Pow Wow is just a social gathering,” explained Ray Kappmeyer, the Pow Wow chairman. “It evolved over the years where before it was part of a warrior society — pre-reservation time — it evolved into a social event.”

Kappmeyer said many people will come dressed in traditional clothing, while others will wear less formal wear. He said there is no specific tribal affiliation.

Aside from the intertribal dances, the gourd dance will once again highlight the event.

“The gourd dance was very specifically a warrior society and even today you don’t see women gourd dancing. You’ll see them standing behind gourd dancers with shawls on to honor them,” Kappmeyer said.

Although Kappmeyer isn’t of American Indian descent, he feels a connection to the Indian way of life, and love of nature.

“Ninety percent of the people who attend are Anglo who have interest in the native culture,” he said. “Here you don’t have a heavy concentration of any specific tribe, consequently just a gathering of all people.”

He said the experience should be enlightening.

“Number one it should be educational, [enjoyable]. It’s a learning process,” he said.

There will also be bead-making demonstrations and traditional goods sold at the fairground. The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gourd dances start at 1 p.m., intertribal dancing at 3 p.m., and at 8 p.m., there will be a grand entry where Kappmeyer believes numerous people will attend.

Admission is $5 per adult, $2 for children 12 and under, free for children 4 and under and $3 for seniors 65 and above.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.