It was a scorcher of a weekend, but the heat did little to diminish the beauty, color and spirit of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe’s 64th annual Wacipi.
Friday may have been the toughest day for dancers, drummers and guests to navigate, with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Even with the heat, the turnout was incredible. The Wacipi grounds remained a sea of activity until the final dance ended around midnight that first night.
Saturday morning, a walk/run was held and had 113 participants in three events. Those early morning people walked or ran either one, two or three miles under sunny skies.
Tribal officials said the number of registered dancers was down from a year ago, but they know the extreme heat kept quite a few people away. Those who did attend sought shade when they could, carried fans and plenty of water and settled in for a weekend of dancing, music and time together.
A slight breeze brought some relief Saturday and Sunday. Otherwise, many visitors, including Albert Tutt and his great-grandson, Tokla, simply found a shady spot to cool off.
Tutt said he loves the Flandreau Wacipi — especially its laid-back atmosphere and friendly people — and tries to return each year.
Nearby, Alex Crawford fanned herself as she walked the perimeter of the grounds with her niece.
“It’s been hot, but it’s been good,” Crawford said.
The Wacipi ran July 17-19 and marked its 64th year.
