This post has been moved to OpenChutes.com. All future postings of Powwows, Indian Relay Races, Rodeos and Rendezvous will be posted there from now on exclusively. So if you’re looking for new images and posts for all those events attended this year, plus all the old posts posted on BigShotsNow.com check out OpenChutes.com. See you there!

One of the surprising things about life is you are never too old to be surprised. After watching the parade and seeing everyone one in their proper places and the show going off flawlessly you think that it was a simple thing to have a parade. You called up a bunch of folks, got them together, put in them in a line and said “Go.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. The surprise and the fun was that you are totally unprepared for the activity and monumental cooperation it takes to get dozens and dozens of people together and have them all in their proper places ready to go when the parade starts.

People begin drifting in by ones and twos.

Everyone is properly dressed

They’re excited

They’re ready to have fun

Royalty is arriving with the littlest starting off first

It’s a chance to see friends and exchange greetings

And show off the cool stuff you get to carry with you

The horses are arrayed in all their finery and prance in place eager to be off

It’s also a chance to show off the incredible regalia needed to outfit the horses and riders properly, some of which are the result of hours of work to create, each piece being unique.

For some it is also a time for reflection

Colors, textures, craftsmanship and historical context are everywhere you look

Like any big maneuver it is often hurry up and wait

And it can be time for those last minute adjustments

As in every event that happens at the Crow Fair it is the drums that tie everything together.

Members of the parade committee help everyone find their places in line

And then suddenly it is time. They’re off to start another parade

The mounted riders head out first and everyone hurries to make sure they’re in the correct spot

After the mounted riders start, the floats begin to enter the line up. These Princesses are smiling and happy to be under way.

Some are wide-eyed with the wonder of it all. How many parades will this young person participate in? Hopefully many.

Families feel the excitement

Young mothers and their children are proud

What could be better than riding on a float in the best parade in the world

And as usual the veterans are not forgotten. They’re becoming fewer and fewer but those still here with us receive the respect of everyone, viewers and participants alike.

They’re off to complete the parade. They’ll travel throughout the camp and wind up back here to disband and see who won their respective categories. The next post will show that process as the paraders’ return. Stay tuned.