Bear Dance powwow packs Sky Ute Fairgrounds

Friday - May 30, 2014 by Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
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Hundreds of traditional dancers crowd the Sky Ute Fairgrounds during grand entry.
The Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow rejoiced a number of various tribes and nations from across the country for a weekend of competitions and additional events.
Southern Ute Royalty takes a moment to strike a smile during the Bear Dance Powwow.
The annual Bear Dance powwow hosted at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds was met with a capacity of attendees who came to see the energy of active dancers and hear the tunes of traditional songs. The powwow continued through Memorial Day weekend and held dance contests, featured plenty of vendors, and was given a blessing by Tribal Councilman, Alex S. Cloud, and elder Eddie Box Jr.
The sounds of traditional songs were alive, ringing throughout the Sky Ute Fairgrounds. The drum groups featured members of all ages.
Dancers circle around the arena while keeping up with the drumbeats as more continue to make their way in.
A young dancer attends the powwow with his mother.
The traditional Gourd Dance kicked off the powwow and was lead by tribal member, Andrew Frost.
U.S. Sergeant, Raymond Price, held the United States flag during the grand entry. Price served in the infantry division for four years.
Traditional dancers stay in sync with the drumbeats blasting through the arena, joining others in an alluring display of motion.
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
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The Southern Ute Bear Dance powwow arrived at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds Friday, May 23 through Saturday, May 24 and was filled with the energetic movement of traditional dancers displaying their best moves in colorful attire. The powwow opened with the Gourd Dance led by Andrew Frost before bringing all dancers into the arena for the Grand Entry. Dancers from all around Southern Ute land and the Four-Corners region participated in the weekend event.

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