As it has been 365 days since the planet travelled around the sun, it was once again time for the big show in the city to the north. The week before I had a virus and was not really sure if I wanted to go, but the tidal pull of tradition won out and there I was.

I drove up to the event along a different path and I almost missed it. Gone were the warehouses, workingmen’s bars and cafes and in it’s place were shiny new millennial cages (apartments), coffee bars and paths for one’s bicycle and dogs. It’s progress of a sort, I suppose.

Inside was mostly the usual sort of things, but I was struck by this eagle’s foot sticking up from someone’s suitcase. I assume the owner displayed it for a dance and now it was just resting there until the need arose again.

There are always vendors of various necessities, such as star quilts. Are they a necessity? Why yes, I myself have made at least 8 of these (maybe more, I forget).

And going to this event is always an excuse to buy some new clothing. Some of the items are handmade, but apparently the Chinese have learned to make appealing things as well.

To be included in the Grand Entry and judging one has to wear a full dance outfit, but for the inter-tribal dances anyone can join in.

The newest styles this year involved a lot of sparkle, like a dance shawl or dress made with sequined fabric. But there are also the traditionalists like this man. And although the styling is traditional, there are more details in the outfit than would have been available 100 years ago.

Now I am just waiting for the planet to travel around the sun one more time, and I will be ready to do it all again (and next time I will bring a dance shawl).