NORTH WEBSTER - For a first-time event, the Northern Lakes Traditional Pow Wow Sept. 22-23 had a great turnout, according to Barb Hetrick, Senior Primelife Enrichment Center director.
The event was held at the Mermaid Festival Grounds in North Webster. Attendees experienced Native American dancing, singing, craft vendors and food.
SPEC presented the Pow Wow in cooperation with the North Webster Lions Club. It was made possible by a grant from the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Mary Masters, a nationally known artist from Shipshewana who has items in the Smithsonian, displayed her artwork. Included in her display, Hetrick said Masters had her new 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Masters plans to make a new jigsaw puzzle every year.
Kids at the Pow Wow participated in many events, including rope making, shooting bows and arrows and beadmaking.
Dancers included head woman dancer Debbie Hassinger from Cassopolis, Mich.
Veterans were honored, especially Native American veterans. A whole tent was dedicated to Native American veterans. Head veteran was George Martin. Leesburg resident John Schoolman, who is almost 99 years old, was given a special honor, Hetrick said.
