Fort Kipp Celebration Experiences Big Turnout During Weekend
The Fort Kipp Celebration was held Aug. 2123, with a camping day Thursday.
Celebration advisor Derrick Long Hair told this newspaper that several high dollar specials attracted visitors from far and wide, including a $2,000 women’s jingle in honor of Abbey Steele, a $3,000 women’s fancy special and a $5,000 men’s fancy dance special in honor of Keaton Armon Lee Longtree. The latter special was planned for Saturday but saw a huge turnout Sunday night after being rescheduled. “We ended at 11:30 p.m.,” Long Hair said. “And we had a kahomani for the first time in a long time. “
Along with daily grand entries, the celebration featured a softball tournament and two walk/run events, sponsored by Spotted Bull Treatment Center and the Tribal Health Diabetes Program. There was also a candlelight ceremony held Friday night.
Royalty for the celebration included Princess Winter Brugh, Princess Attendant Neyanna St. Germaine, Junior Princess Raegan Cooper, Junior Princess Attendant Kazzley Lafromboise, Mini Princess Jess Lambert and Traveling Princess Effie Victoria Young.
Officers included Derrick Long Hair, Flag Bearer Pauline Lee, Lodge Keeper/ Drum Keeper Amari Bighorn and Treasurer Keaton Longtree, Patrick Ricker was the announcer. Committee members include Claudia Thompson, Jayden Menz, Easton, Weston and Sundown Boxer, Pauling Boxer, Ashton and Hamini Bengochea and Wilma Yellow Hammer.
For information about next year’s celebration, call 406-786-7278 or 406786-7595.
