Cabin Fever celebrates with dance

Friday - March 7, 2014 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Yellow Jacket was the host gourd dance and powwow drum group. Bob Iron (far right) of Fort Collins was recognized for his years and dedication in the powwow circuit.

A Southern cloth dancer enters the powwow floor.

Local Royalty members gave their welcome speeches and wished everyone a good time at the powwow and safe travels home.

A young jingle dress dancer dances solo during her dance category.

Amber Doughty, Miss Southern Ute, and Avaleena Nanaeto, Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association Princess hand out Valentine's to tribal elders in attendance at the powwow.

Grandma Kay from the Malemuit Nation in Alaska poses with Amber Doughty, Miss Southern Ute, and Avaleena Nanaeto, Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association Princess.

Sheila Nanaeto was a very popular person as she passed out the plates for the cakewalk.

Randy Medicine Bear of Loveland, Colo., won the men’s dance special.

A young Traditional dancer competed in the men’s dance special. Though he won the crowd appeal, he did not win the contest.

Showing good sportsmanship and respect, Randy Medicine Bear of Loveland gave his winning to the youngest dancer during the Men's Dance Special.

Musical chairs was the closing highlight of the evening. More than 15 competitors battled for the last chair to win a shawl. Hunter Frost eventually took the final seat, winning the shawl and celebrating his win by dancing with his hard-earned shawl.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

The gourd dance and powwow took place in the Southern Ute Multi-purpose Facility on Saturday, Feb. 15. The event was sponsored by the Four Corners Gourd Dance Society. This year’s gourd dance hosted over 30 gourd dancers. The powwow was held after supper break and included men’s and women’s dance specials, a cakewalk, and musical chairs to close the evening’s event.