Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ularly well suited for farming. He modeled the concept for the fair after the county
fairs that were popular around the country at the time. The tribe's initial reaction was
purportedly less than enthusiastic. In an effort to increase their willingness to parti-
cipate, Reynolds relaxed the strict ban on “Indian doings” for the days of the Crow
Fair, giving the Crow their only legal opportunity to dance, sing, and speak in their
traditional ways. Recognizing it as an opportunity to openly pass on Crow culture to
younger generations, the tribe eagerly accepted the opportunity, and Crow Fair has
been held annually ever since, except during the world wars and the Great Depres-
sion. Today, close to 85 percent of the tribe speak Crow as their first language, a
much higher percentage than among other Native American groups in the state.
The celebration itself is lively and colorful, with some 12,000 people camping
out in more than 1,500 tipis erected on the banks of the Little Bighorn River. Native
Americans from various tribes around the country and visitors from around the world
come to participate or just witness the competitive dancing and drumming, the all-In-
dian Championship Rodeo, the pari-mutuel horse racing, and the family reunion-like
camaraderie that pervades this time-honored event. The hot, dusty late-summer air is
thick with smells—Indian fry bread and Indian tacos—and with the bullhorn whine
of the camp-crier and the jingling of the tobacco lids that decorate the elaborate cos-
tumes of some of the dancers. Crow Fair is a feast for the senses and a wonderful way
to appreciate the traditions and culture of some of the people who were here long be-
fore the Europeans.
