Monday, January 09, 2012

Indian Arts Festival

On December 28 our family visited the Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival. It's about two hours away from where we live, but it was worth the drive. Son was excited to meet Native Americans for the first time. We had been learning about them in American History, and he was familiar with a few tribes, customs, headdresses, etc. Daughter 1 was excited too, but because she knew about Indians through the movie Peter Pan and her brother relaying his interpretation of what he learned.

At the festival we saw an interesting man dance with rings. Son was one of the volunteers on stage to perform the complicated dance with rings. I wasn't sure he would go, but I encouraged him nevertheless. He was game, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Next we perused the wares they had at the marketplace. Mostly handcrafted items, they were not cheap but well made and worth the price. Son knew he wanted a bow and arrow, and Daughter 1 a doll.

Next we went to see the alligator wrestling show. Son was impressed, and that's saying something. It was neat to watch.

The museum area was very nice too, with authentic pots, jewelry, and tops used a long time ago. It also housed a great replica of an alligator and the history of the Seminoles.

Next we attended another show, this time with representatives from different tribes across North America, including Canada. Two men were wearing elaborate costumes with headdresses.. When they performed the fancy dance, I was sure their knees would hurt. It was fun to watch. My two older kids both went on stage this time, my four-year-old dancing just the way they showed her. She loves the stage. I want to post some pictures, although I can't guarantee it.

After that, Son tried climbing up a greased pole (no such luck or skill), and we wandered around taking pictures with a wigwam, bearskin, and some other interesting items from the Native American way of life.

Son got his bow and arrow, and Daughter 1 her doll. Daddy, the girls and I greatly enjoyed the fry bread.. Mmm.. Reminded me of the Caribbean Johnny Cake.

Daughter 2 was mostly in her Ergo with Daddy, and liked to see all that there was to see.

It was a fun and educational trip, and our third field trip of the school year.

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