Pow Wow's Grand Entry highlight of annual event in Naperville
Organizers of Naperville's annual Harvest Pow Wow know how to make an entrance. A Grand Entry of an entrance, that is.
They practice it several times during the Harvest Pow Wow in Naperville, forming a procession to a dancing ring in ceremonial fashion and full American Indian regalia to continue the traditions of their ancestral tribes.
The Grand Entry at 1 p.m. Sunday marked one of the highlights of the 23rd annual Pow Wow hosted by the Midwest SOARRING Foundation, which stands for Save Our Ancestors Remains and Resources Indigenous Network Group.
Cari Szczesniak of Woodridge showed off her finger-weaving skills to visitors. "I like listening to the traditional music while doing my finger weaving," she said.
Visitors to the Naper Settlement grounds for the Pow Wow's final day Sunday also experienced storytelling, drumming, native flute and other traditional musical performances, while they sampled American Indian foods and toured an authentic tepee.