The Ho-Chunk Nation Neesh La Powwow held on Aug. 26 – 28 moved indoors due to rainy conditions.  The event typically takes place outdoors at E10739 N Reedsburg Road in a field across from the Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wisconsin Dells casino.

     The Friday evening session went as planned.  Dancers filled the arena a little after 7:00 pm, and vendors were open for business.  The emcee for the weekend was Boy Ladd, Ho-Chunk, and Terry Fiddler, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.  The arena director was Marshall Funmaker, Ho-Chunk/Ottawa.

     At first, rain delayed the Saturday 1:00 pm Grand Entry.  However, the rain didn’t let up, and organizers decided to hold off until the 7:00 pm Grand Entry.

     Around 3:00 pm, the emcee announced the powwow was moving indoors to the Lower Dells Ballroom of Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wisconsin Dells Convention Center.  The two flag poles on either side of the announcer’s stand honored the flags of Sanford White Eagle and Dale White Eagle.  Those flags were taken down in ceremony.

      The powwow committee mentioned that they were grateful to Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wisconsin Dells for offering and providing indoor space.  The committee realized the convention center readied the area in a matter of hours.

     The Saturday 7:00 pm Grand Entry took place a little behind schedule.  Craft vendors set up tables in the atrium, and food vendors set up booths outside, under the canopy entrance.