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!

After gathering together before the parade began the participants of the 2015 Crow Fair Parade then passed through the camp on the parade route and returned to the staging area. The streets were lined with hundreds of parade viewers, most sitting in folding camp chairs, some standing, kids running and following along the sidelines becoming a part of the parade too. It was a very hot day, well over a hundred degrees and everywhere you looked there were umbrellas to keep off the sun and water bottles coming out of coolers.  The parade had traveled down through the assembled teepees, over 1200 of them this year, and followed along the Little Bighorn river before returning to the staging area to disassemble and find out who won for best in their categories.

As the first group in the parade the color guard returned and furled their flags

Then individuals returned

Women of the Elk Tooth category remained in formation as they returned to the staging area

As always seeing the various parade members up close and admiring the trappings on them and their horses up close was a thrill

This could as easily be a photograph from the mid-1800’s as a modern one. Time travel was possible here today if your imagination was strong enough.

There was a much more relaxed atmosphere now that the parade was over

Fathers bring their kids back

Mom’s too, even if they were ready for a nap

A gentle touch for a beloved horse, perhaps a moment to enjoy what just transpired

Generations riding together enjoying the companionship

Everyone taking in the experience

Some perhaps a little less than the others, but it’s been a long hot day full of excitement and now that it’s over a well deserved yawn is ok.

Every type of look imaginable is here, from painted faces to simple yet striking horse trappings

A smile is always worth a picture

The tribes were always quick to adopt new things so sunglasses fit right in

Young members of the tribe watch carefully, everything is a learning experience

There were a lot of smiles scattered throughout the gathering

Hundreds of Elk Teeth adorn this blanket. Attention to detail was paramount

Mischievous smiles were also included

So were good old-fashioned honest ones. There is a lot of joy amongst the people.

There are still a few chores to be done even at the end of the parade. Holding the horse is one, a big responsibility for a small girl.

Apparently the parade was a little taxing for one member and a break was indicated.

This group was chosen as best in their various categories, although every single participant in the parade was a winner.

Above you see the members of the Parade committee. These tireless participants made this incredible event happen, dedicating time and energy and their boundless enthusiasm to put the parade together. They deserve the praise and thanks of anyone who was in the parade or viewed it. Thanks for and incredible effort, and thanks for an incredible parade. You were amazing.