Crow Fair facts for kids
The Crow Fair is a special event created in 1904 by leaders of the Crow Tribe and a government agent. Their goal was to show off the unique culture of the Crow people and help them do business. This fair welcomes all Native American tribes from the Great Plains, acting like a huge family reunion under the big sky. It's the biggest gathering of Northern Native Americans, bringing in almost 45,000 visitors and participants. People even call it "the teepee capital of the world" because over 1,500 teepees are set up in a giant campground!
The Crow Fair happens every year during the third week of August. It takes place near the Little Big Horn River in Billings, Montana. It's a lot like a county fair, where people can see and buy amazing art and crafts from the region. You can find everything from beautiful jewelry to exciting dance performances.
Contents
The Daily Parade
The Crow Fair has its own special kind of parade that happens every day.
Parade Start and Leaders
The parade starts each morning of the Fair at ten o'clock. It begins with the Color Guard, which includes retired and active members of the armed forces. After them come the President, Vice-President, and First Vice-President of the Crow Fair. The President proudly carries the American Flag. In the past, members of the Crow Nation's royal family would follow. Today, Crow Tribal Officials take their place.
Parade Participants and Attire
Most people in the parade are members of the Crow Nation. They wear traditional clothing, often decorated with eagle feathers and warbonnets. You might also see them with old-time saddles, western saddles, reservation hats, and amazing beadwork. The beadwork made by the Crow Nation is known for being some of the most detailed and beautiful in the world.
Parade Schedule
The parade happens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Crow Fair. The Sunday parade is the biggest, with the most participants. It can stretch for as long as 1.5 miles!
Dance Celebration
Crow Fair is home to one of the most exciting Dance Celebrations. This event is often called a pow-wow. It takes place every late afternoon and evening during the fair. The Crow Nation believes that dancing is the most important way to celebrate. People come to the dance arena just for the pure joy of dancing. However, many pow-wows also include competitive dancing, where dancers show off their skills.
Rodeo Events
The Crow Fair Rodeo is a popular daily event at the fair. The Crow Nation sponsors this exciting rodeo every year. It offers a full day of fun, including events for young people, professional Indian cowboys and cowgirls, and thrilling horse races. The rodeo is organized by the Northern Plains Indian Rodeo Association, which is part of the Indian National Finals Rodeo.
Rodeo Location
The Crow Fair Rodeo is held at the Edison Real Bird Memorial Complex. This complex is located in Crow Agency, Montana. It includes the rodeo arena, a race track, stables for horses, and campgrounds for visitors.
Fair Committee
On the last day of the Crow Fair week, the Crow Nation holds an election. They choose a new committee to organize the next Crow Fair Dance Celebration, Rodeo, and Racemeet. On Tuesday morning and afternoon, you'll hear "campcriers" and announcers. They use megaphones to tell everyone in the campgrounds about the candidates running for the committee. Candidates often hire these campcriers to spread the word. Before and during the Crow Fair, there are often rumors about who will run for election to the committee.
