Powwow tradition continues

Powwow tradition continues By Richard Beales Local News - Monday, July 24, 2006 @ 01:00 A persistent rain Saturday forced a six-hour postponement and change of venue for the Grand Entry of Dancers, but spirits remained high at the 27th annual Grand River Powwow. As cars pulled into Chiefswood Tent and Trailer Park during Saturday mornings downpour, drivers were advised that the grand entry had been delayed from noon until 3 p.m. But at 3 p.m., with a crowd gathered in the bleachers and the rain still falling, master of ceremonies Dennis Bowen took to the microphone to inform people that, after the smoke dance was performed, the sound equipment would be taken down and reinstalled at Gaylord Powless Arena for a 6 p.m. grand entry. The powwow visitors, some of whom had come from as far away as Japan and the Netherlands, took the delay in stride and enjoyed themselves amid the craft and food booths, some also renewing friendships from powwows past. Bowen captured the let it be mood of the occasion, when he announced during a delay that the rain is here for a good reason to renew and regenerate the world to