Pow Wow

Every year a local park host a Frontier Days on the second weekend of January. Over the years we have made it a point to go out and visit. My first time attending the event was in 2002, when Will was an adult leader with Ocho's scout troop who also participated in the event. The days of Ocho and scouts have passed, but we still go check it out.

In all honesty, I go for a different reason than the fellas. I have a friend whose husband, and kids and in-laws have participated in the event through the Royal Ambassadors programs with the Assembly of God churches for years. They moved "up state" quite a few years ago now, but still participate in this festival. With busy schedules this is an easy time meet up and catch up. They have the canvas tents, blankets, cookware and all the attire for the weekend.

Here is her husband

He had another outfit the day we were out there, she said he looked like a leprechaun with his hat, green jacket and socks and pointing moccasin shoes. She is planted in current time, now - I wish I could find the picture I have of Becca, her husband and oldest son when he was very young . . .of course she might not enjoy that! She stays in their camper while the guys stay in the tents. She says she's "been there, done that and has the t-shirt." But it is great to see the guys still dressing the part.

We almost missed this one this year. In previous years, small teepees are placed near hotels and main interesections in town about the week before the event. I think the lack of the tents is also a sign of the times - I am not sure the cost associated in setting up the tents, but I would bet that would explain the lack of visual reminders around town. I am so glad Becca sent me a message they would be there!

Many times the weekend is very cold - at least cold for this area! Not this year. It was quite mild and with that, there were many more vendors and canvas tents. Many travel around to these events, others participate from closer by, from nearby towns. Those with skills of an era gone by demonstrate for those of us that completely modern day.

Home made soaps are made, tools are demonstrated, sodas in good ol' glass bottles for sale. As we walked among the tents and vendors one lady demonstrated a type of dulcimer and I realized quickly she was playing the song sung at our wedding - "Tis A Gift To Be Simple." It was beatiful. Becca said they had fried pumpkin bread and hubby got an order with the fritters. It was wonderful!

So some pics of our world this past weekend . . .

Demolition D and Will and, not waiting for us, The Man (had to get to the hatchet throwing)

This fella was pretty interesting . . . as was his friend

You can see the tail of a fuzzy little creature in the picture above. The gentleman's friend was a Sugar Glider, a cute nocturnal creature from the land down under. The gentleman had the glider on a leash. As we watched the funny character, you could see it eagerly watching for the next thing to jump on. He managed to jump onto an unsuspecting child once, bless his heart, he screamed and jumped and laughed - the whole time the critter was running all around him.

I did take my turn at letting this cute creature glide across to me. It was a little creepy feeling having this fuzzy critter running around my back and over my shoulder, but he was too cute!

We later saw the gentleman without his friend. When Becca's daughter asked him about the Glider he said he was down for a nap.



Becca and her daughter left the frontier to the boys for a while and came home with us for a spontaneous dinner. When we returned to the park, it was after dark and there was a light drizzle. The sounds of the fires and the few instruments playing was soothing and transported you to a time I have never experienced. Under one of the pavillions, folks were gathered and trading items: blankets, hatchets, lanterns etc. They were having fun enjoying each others company and a world that is probably so far from their everyday lives.

As for next year? We will be there, not in dress, but we will stay in the "modern" campground adjacent to the festival. We will enjoy the sounds and smells and sites that those who love this time gone by so much, share with those of us with our feet firmly planted in the new millenium.

Happy Birthday Becca!!

Travel the world through pictures at That's My World Tuesday . . .

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