64th Shinnecock Indian Powwow opens in Southampton

The Jenkinses of Jericho came to the 64th annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow for the sixth year in a row for the sounds of the flute, while the Gonzalezes of Coram found in it a place where their tot, Isabella, could stomp on the grass to the beat of the drums.

And the Scarolas of Hampton Bays came for the first time Saturday because they were curious about why the festival draws so many people each year. They left convinced they knew why.

"I think it's just great," said Mike Scarola as he walked with his wife, Pat, across a field filled with thousands of people watching the dances and listening to the songs of more than 100 American Indian nations represented at the Southampton event. "I hope they keep doing this."

That's what elder Don Williams had in mind when he opened the event: "We, the Shinnecock, welcome you to our ancestors' grounds in friendship."

He added, "Bless this reservation and its people."

He said he was grateful Hurricane Earl was nowhere near as strong as feared, which could have made the tribe's massive fundraiser a bust.

"It's a good day," he said. "We're relieved after the day with the hurricane."

Shinnecock trustee Lance Gumbs said Earl may even have helped the powwow because people may have canceled plans and decided to attend the festival instead.

"This is one of the biggest events on eastern Long Island," he said. Up to 72,000 people have attended over the extended Labor Day weekend in the past, he said. This year, the hurricane knocked out the first day of the festival, but Gumbs said he doubts the turnout will be smaller this year.

The event's centerpiece, the Grand Entry, resembled a kaleidoscope. Dancers were decked out in full regalia, from the elaborate Fancy Feather Dancers to the Jingle Dress Dancers, who held their hands on their hips and stepped to jolt their bells. There were songs for veterans, prayers in song, war dances.

The event drew talent and vendors from all over the United States and internationally.

The Aztec Dancers of Mexico City wore massive headdresses. Paige Burgess of Anadarko, Okla., a Comanche with the Buffalo Hill singers, said he attends powwows every weekend and the Shinnecock event is among his favorites.

"I've always enjoyed this powwow," said Burgess, wearing a southern traditional outfit without feathers.

Joseph Jenkins was observing some of the crafts on sale, including the flutes. A novice player, he wanted to see how real American Indian flutes were constructed.

"It's an event with good people - good, fun," he said.

First-timer Kevin Gonzalez said he'd be back next year, if only because Isabella would likely demand it.

"I think this is just fantastic," he said, "I brought the whole family out and we're just having a great time."