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!

The main parade at the Crow Fair is one event everybody looks forward to. It ‘s a chance to see the Fair participants in full regalia riding their horses or on a float presenting their best efforts for the fair judges and the parade viewers as well. It’s a fun event for everybody. The participants get to wave to fiends and family in the crowd. The viewers get to see an amazing sight and everybody’s happy. This has got to be a favorite time for everyone.

As in every event they hold the colors are presented.

Usually the parade has categories but occasionally things get changed u a little and you get a different look. Today there were a lot of individuals parading in and out of category groups.

There’s always Royalty in a parade and there is a lot of royalty at the Crow Fair.

An experienced rider in the men’s War Bonnet category.

Some times the parade is so good you just have to smile

Lodge poles, a good horse, a hat to keep the sun off your face and it’s a great parade

An elder responding to friend in the crowd. Everyone is good-natured and has fun calling back and forth.

A segment of the Reservation Hat category passes in review.

The Crow are very partial to their horses and any cane to show off good stock is taken advantage of.

Young women get a chance to show off their finery.

A young warrior rides a painted horse. The symbols and colors are all important.

A young woman wearing an Elk Tooth dress shades her eyes with her fan. It was 107° the day this parade was held.

And the sun was bright and hot but that didn’t keep the parade from going on.

All ages participate

Eve down to the youngest. If they can hang on they can be in the parade

That counts for the horses too.

These young braves are on their way to being fierce warriors, they just need a little more time.

Letting out a huge cry and catching up is all part of the parade

The real stars of the parade are the elders, both men and women. Within them lies the knowledge and experience that needs to be passed down to the younger members of the tribe. They are the reservoirs of heritage and pride and it shows on each and every face.

As the parade winds down ad passes by there is a final wave and it’s over for the day. A parade like this is a monumental task to put on. In the next post we’ll visit the staging area where all the magic happens. Stay tuned.