Almost 1970 a group of six *pow wow bums* started making the dance circuit Fabled dance arbors such as “Monroe, Thunderbird, and Head hill still bring the sound of bells to mind.
The six dubbed, ‘The Glens falls group,’ grew in knowledge and understanding of the ways by seeking those who were willing to teach. Their activities included taking part in various “firsts” PanLakota, Straight dance and membership in the only southern drum at the time in the East, The Four Wind Singers.
In 1972 a formal organization was established calling themselves Calico Dancers. This group was headed by Paul Pietzkowski and Ed LaFave. The six involved their families and friends and continued to attract new members as Explorer Post 206
1972 Was also marked by the first Calico sponsored pow wow with the aid of The Four Winds Singers, and the sanction of The New England Indian Hobbyist Association. (NEIHA) The grandfather of A.I.S. The Calico Pow wow helped to set trends for southern etiquette in the east that are still used today.
Weekly meetings with yearly progress were the key note of the Calico activities. Film presentations, outfit displays and dance programs continued to help the Calico ‘s to grow in numbers. The group expanded to include classes in women’s outfits. Guest speakers were invited like Ron and Edie Head. and Don Trager.As a result of all of these activities, the Calico Dancers had gained the reputation for being one of the most organized dances in the east.
Time passed and so did members. The young members went off to college or got married but the family based organization continued. Many of the former members have returned to continue and add to this organization.
As the group matured the Explorer Post aspect was no longer needed. A group logo was created, Calico Dancers Ladies shawls and a group flag was developed. Socials were held three or four times a year, with foods of ethnic groups around the world to pool and beach parties as themes.
The big event of the year of course has been the July 4th Powwow. Billed as a “Good Time Powwow,” the dance grew to be perhaps the largest in the East with over 300 dancers and 21 lodges. Special interest groups too, have been welcomed into the fold, Buckskinners or mountain men, Boyscout groups and of course the public.
The Calico Dancers Pow wow is the only free dance in the East, Arena personnel, head dancers, singers, announcers, and all special guests received giveaways, or day money if needed. The dance is run by members, who give a great deal of their free time each year to make the event a success. The dance is financed by raffles, blanket dances, trader fees, and giveaways to the committee.
Always bigger, always better, rain or shine the Calico Dancers Pow wow always functioned. Community involvement is a link in this success. Local businesses have been generous in their help with items to give to participants. The town Recreation commision has turned over their park and have given the Calico Dancers an excellent facility for our event. The community and town fathers have added a great deal to make our Pow wow the success it is.
Many thanks to many people for years of dedicated service and hard work are in order. It is hard to express in words just what the Calico Dancers are.
You just have to be there to see it.
The six dubbed, ‘The Glens falls group,’ grew in knowledge and understanding of the ways by seeking those who were willing to teach. Their activities included taking part in various “firsts” PanLakota, Straight dance and membership in the only southern drum at the time in the East, The Four Wind Singers.
In 1972 a formal organization was established calling themselves Calico Dancers. This group was headed by Paul Pietzkowski and Ed LaFave. The six involved their families and friends and continued to attract new members as Explorer Post 206
1972 Was also marked by the first Calico sponsored pow wow with the aid of The Four Winds Singers, and the sanction of The New England Indian Hobbyist Association. (NEIHA) The grandfather of A.I.S. The Calico Pow wow helped to set trends for southern etiquette in the east that are still used today.
Weekly meetings with yearly progress were the key note of the Calico activities. Film presentations, outfit displays and dance programs continued to help the Calico ‘s to grow in numbers. The group expanded to include classes in women’s outfits. Guest speakers were invited like Ron and Edie Head. and Don Trager.As a result of all of these activities, the Calico Dancers had gained the reputation for being one of the most organized dances in the east.
Time passed and so did members. The young members went off to college or got married but the family based organization continued. Many of the former members have returned to continue and add to this organization.
As the group matured the Explorer Post aspect was no longer needed. A group logo was created, Calico Dancers Ladies shawls and a group flag was developed. Socials were held three or four times a year, with foods of ethnic groups around the world to pool and beach parties as themes.
The big event of the year of course has been the July 4th Powwow. Billed as a “Good Time Powwow,” the dance grew to be perhaps the largest in the East with over 300 dancers and 21 lodges. Special interest groups too, have been welcomed into the fold, Buckskinners or mountain men, Boyscout groups and of course the public.
The Calico Dancers Pow wow is the only free dance in the East, Arena personnel, head dancers, singers, announcers, and all special guests received giveaways, or day money if needed. The dance is run by members, who give a great deal of their free time each year to make the event a success. The dance is financed by raffles, blanket dances, trader fees, and giveaways to the committee.
Always bigger, always better, rain or shine the Calico Dancers Pow wow always functioned. Community involvement is a link in this success. Local businesses have been generous in their help with items to give to participants. The town Recreation commision has turned over their park and have given the Calico Dancers an excellent facility for our event. The community and town fathers have added a great deal to make our Pow wow the success it is.
Many thanks to many people for years of dedicated service and hard work are in order. It is hard to express in words just what the Calico Dancers are.
You just have to be there to see it.