Powwow Color

Julyamish is touted as the largest outdoor powwow in the Northwest.  It's held every summer at the Greyhound Park near Post Falls.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe hosts the encampment and powwow, where dancing and selling of Indian crafts draws thousands.

We had hoped to arrive yesterday in time to see the horses as part of the opening ceremony but just missed them.

We also missed seeing the Swamp People, Jay Paul's and R.J. Molinere, a father-and-son pair from Louisiana and the Houma Tribe.  

Before we arrived at the powwow, my cell phone rang.  It was Bill.  He had one request:  get Jay Paul's and R.J.'s autographs.  

He also wanted me to tell them that he's a faithful fan of "Swamp People."  After all, Bill's a Louisianan, so he's loyal to most things Louisianan.  

Turns out Jay Paul and R.J. had already headed home for Louisiana before we arrived.  So, all I could muster was a photo of their empty chairs.  

Both father and son are tough guys, with R.J. distinguishing himself as a World Champion arm wrestler and alligator hunter.  His son has a couple of Golden Gloves Boxing championships.

Both believe strongly in God, family and their Native American roots.  

Too bad we missed meeting them. 

We did our shopping, took lots of photos and melted in the hot sun.  In spite of the heat, we thoroughly enjoyed the dancing and the mesmerizing drum beats and singing. 

With a bright sun, it was hard to get the best of contrast, but I'll post a few photos.  

As always, yesterday's segment of Julyamish was a wonderful event, well worth attending.