Clogtown: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi - A Pow WOW!

Everyone who lives in the United States of America should attend a Native American Pow Wow at some point, not only because they're super fun and extra cool, but because you will see up close the deep reverence our original residents have for their land - and their history. As we all should.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi was held this past weekend at The Meadows at Mystic Lake, and was nothing short of spectacular. I hadn't been to a pow wow since my Augsburg College days, and my Mom had never been to one, so we changed that yesterday when I loaded her (and her new prototype leg!) up and headed out to Shakopee for a day of honoring the beautiful history of this place, as well as the beautiful (seriously, stunning!) people who taught it to us through their costumes, food, crafts, art, and dance. Wacipi (or Pow Wow) actually means "They Dance". And dance they did.

Collectively, the dancing looked to be one big sun dance, as the ominous morning clouds and wind soon cleared out and opened up to the bluest skies possible, and bright sunshine that caused the sparkling costumes to gleam even more brilliantly. A huge wind turbine stood tall above the American flags, showing that the Native people are still far more in touch with our earth and natural resources than our sorely lacking government.

We got to sit in the box reserved for the tribal elders (and handicapped people), and it was a front row seat to the grand entrance of all the tribes dancing in to the Pow Wow grounds. After a solemn prayer in a tongue I didn't recognize, but wished I did, an announcer introduced all the different tribes and dance groups, all with a sense of humor and fun, though the singing and chanting sounded pretty serious.

I left the box to get a closer look, and was suddenly overcome with emotion as I watched all the wonderful dancers file past with such regal dignity. I got choked up thinking about how poorly our government has treated Native Americans historically, and yet these tribes are still thriving.

They are keeping their traditions alive, and passing them down to generation after generation. And the way they honor the earth. And their ancestors. And the fact that they still allow the white man/woman to join them in their celebrations, forgetting what atrocities their ancestors committed and understanding that we all share this place together now, so we might as well dance. It was deeply, deeply moving.

The whole affair reminded me a lot of the Merrie Monarch Festival that takes place each year in Hawai'i, when its native people perform their hulas and stories for everyone in Hilo ... even the developers trying to turn sacred lands into golf courses or telescopes. We would be such a better country if we all recognized how truly spiritual and important the native teachings really are.

Here in Minnesota, the dances were broken up into categories like: Fancy Shawl, Jingle Dress, Golden Age, Chicken Dancers, Grass Dancers and all ages competed to be the best. Tiny kids in full regalia danced or were held by gorgeous women in their breathtaking costumes or regal men in elaborate headdresses that told their own stories. It was a true feast for the eyes in every direction one looked.

It was also a legitimate feast, as food vendors were lined up (at the bottom of a hill that gave me a major wheelchair pushing workout, but we did it!) to sell the native delicacies. Indian tacos were the big draw of the day, with several different vendors dishing them up, all with long lines. Indian tacos are just like regular tacos only they are served on crisp, airy fry bread. The same fry bread is also done up as dessert, with strawberries and cream or cinnamon and chocolate. I want more today, as typing this is making my mouth water. Wild rice hot dish, walleye sandwiches ... it was a true taste of native Minnesota.

Native crafts were also on display, with blankets, leather goods, and a whole lot of things done up in native beadwork. Mom and I each got a souvenir, and we will both wear them with deep pride, tell anyone who asks all about the wonderful Pow Wow we bought them at. We were honored to be there, and the jewelry will be a reminder to us both of a very special day we spent together honoring our state's native people. We'll be gushing about it for some time to come, for sure.

At a time when there is so much talk about immigration and walls and borders and all of that, I wonder how Native Americans can even stand to hear any of it. Our government STOLE their land, and did everything they could to eradicate any memory of them or their traditions. ANY citizen of the United States that is not Native American came from an immigrant family, and would do well to zip it as far as any negativity toward new immigrant families. And would do even better to lower your head in respect when anyone Native crosses your path, in both humility and in thanks - for not only sharing THEIR original land with us, but for doing it so beautifully.

I don't know how to say thank you in the Dakota language, so I looked it up and hope it's right ...

PIDAMAYA DO!  to all involved with the remarkable Wacipi weekend! Wow.

*Yesterday was also the last day of Hearts Of Our People! I hope you made it to that exceptional exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

The 2017 Venice Neptune Parade - Hail Summer! Hail Venice! Hail Yes!!!

Last Saturday was just about the best Venice day ever. After the sadness of Abbot's Habit's closing party the night before, everyone was ready to have some fun, and remember what Venice is all about. It was June gloomy out, though, and many were dealing with the vicious hangovers that come with drowning deep sorrows like a local institution closing forever. We were going to have to dig deep to rally if we were going to officially declare it SUMMER in Venice at this year's Neptune Festival. So that's exactly what we did.

I was deeply honored and humbled to be asked to be the Queen of this year's Neptune Fest, along with Jeremy Marco as King Neptune. This has been a very heavy year for many, myself included, and the opportunity to ring in Summer in the name of Venice was just the bright spot I needed to look forward to - and it did not disappoint.

My Mom - the Queen Mother - came in from Minnesota and created a royal robe fit for the Queen of the Mermaids. My dear friend Stephanie Hobgood came in from the Valley and gave me the mermaid hair of dreams. My dear friend Kimberly Jackson came in from Wabi Sabi (where she is the "Door Diva") to bedazzle my eyes with an enchanting mermaid sparkle glow for the occasion. My dear friend Rebekah Ozier created a masterpiece of a Queen Neptune crown that was so spectacular I felt transformed the instant I put it on. It even had shells from our beach in Venice on it! It is truly Venice Historical Museum worthy.

While we were busy getting me all dolled up for the parade, the sun began to ease its way out. By the time we left (very late!) for The Sidewalk Café for the pre-party, the skies had turned entirely blue, and the stage was set for our Summer Solstice Festival.

We arrived to cheers and applause, and I was immediately given a shot that turned my personal tide for the much better. We took photos and marveled over the wonderful costumes that were showing up, and you could tell that we were all ready to blow off some steam.

These events always take place on Venice Standard Time, which is to say it's not exactly "sharp". Ever. Think of it kind of like Island Time. A crowd was building up outside, as they had been told 3 p.m., and it was well past time to march down the Boardwalk. The royal conch shell was blown to rally the Merpeople, and we processed out of The Sidewalk Café.

We were greeted by shouts from the crowd, and I almost cried to look around and see all the wonderful Venice faces from my past and present, there to join me in declaring it Summer - the very best time to be here in Venice.

There was a brief ceremony to pass down the royal scepters from the previous King (Jeremy Parker) and Queen Neptune (Dakota Rayfield, filling in for Kaycee Smith, who was at Primus. I get it.), where we humbly accepted our royal duties.

It was important to me that my little kid friends would attend this year, because that is the way to keep traditions alive. Those little buddies having these awesome Venice memories will ensure that they want to carry them on when they grow up. The little boys and girls dressed up too, and jockeyed for position to carry a piece of the hem of my robe down the Boardwalk. It was precious, and they were probably the highlight of my entire day.

Once about a zillion photos were taken, it was time to march to the sea! The Venice sign was unfurled over our heads, and King Jeremy and I led the parade on down the Boardwalk. The entire crew chanted the whole way to the water, yelling, "HAIL THE KING! HAIL THE QUEEN! HAIL VENICE! HAIL SUMMER! HAIL YEAH!" at the top of our lungs as we walked.

Apologies to the street performers down there whose acts we interrupted, but you have to admit, it was a pretty awesome sight to behold. A whole town of friends and families marching together through the crowds at the beach, to show them what the Spirit of Venice means. The delighted faces we passed, the cameras being whipped out to capture it all, and the willingness to join in was the very best.

We stopped for more group photos, and all the colorful attire and surroundings made for some all-time great shots. It couldn't even be helped.

The parade carried on past the V statue, and on to the Venice Skatepark. Skaters joined in the chanting, and we exchanged the raised fists when it got to "HAIL VENICE!" As one should. Out across the sand we went, with the little kids picking up the chant at one point. You could tell they thought they were getting away with something a little naughty when they yelled "HAIL YEAH", and it was the most adorable thing ever to hear in their high little voices. I keep smiling every time I think about it.

Once down by the Breakwater, it was time to disrobe and enter the sea to officially declare it SUMMER in Venice!

 

The water has warmed up quite a bit, so this part of the tradition was not at all torture. King Jeremy scooped me up, I raised the trident, and BAM! It was Summer!!!

I encouraged everyone to join us in the water, and several gamers braved the waves with us, in the name of Neptune! We had a little bathing beauty photo shoot, and I couldn't stop beaming when I saw all the effort and creativity that had gone into the fine costumes of the day. We even had real mermaids!

Back on land, it was time for the official speeches and declaration of Summer. I barely remember what I said, but I know it was heartfelt and very difficult for me not to well up and start crying, both from the sheer happiness and joy of the day, but also the sadness that the Venice we know and love is becoming more unrecognizable every day. I know that I said that events like these - and the PARTICIPATION in them - are what will ensure a cool Venice for the future. I know that I said "We are all still here!" because I looked out and saw everyone I knew, and if I didn't know them yet, I wanted to.

Because these are the very best parts of what we love about Venice. The FUN. The ART. The CREATIVITY. The SPONTANEITY. The COOL. The DIFFERENT. The MUSIC. The FRIENDSHIP. The LOVE. It's all I felt, all day long.

Once I finished rambling on, King Jeremy took the official royal proclamation, and read it with gusto to make it all officially official. Once the words had been spoken, we both took the royal conch shell and blasted it to let all know, far and wide, that it was SUMMER IN VENICE!!!

The cheering and chanting carried on all the way back to the Sidewalk (with brief pit stops to greet our subjects at The Townhouse and the new Surfside - formerly Danny's Deli - it looks nice). The group had re-assembled in the back of the bar in the Sidewalk, and were now being entertained by former kings Jeremy Parker and Masao Miyashiro, giving us their punk jams. It was just so fun.

It was like a big, long photo shoot all day, and every one I've seen shows nothing but happy smiles all day. You really couldn't help it, there was just so much fun being had. The appreciation for Venice and its People was tangible all day long, and I can't get over that I got to lead it all this year.

Eternal thanks to the Neptune Committee for choosing me to represent the fair citizens of Venice and Neptune this year! It will absolutely go down as one of my very favorite life memories, and I hope that goes the same for all who were there in attendance and solidarity. It was a classic day, and a classic weekend. One that shows just how very powerful the spirit remains here in our beachside Community. Forever. You could just feel it.

HAIL VENICE! HAIL SUMMER! HAIL YEAH!!!

THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!

Love, Your Queen Neptune '17 ... Ceej xoxoxo

*Photos by Paul Gronner Photography (the Queen Brother)

Gløgg Fest 2016!

Gløgg Fest 2016 is on the books, and it was a grand old time. So much so that I took almost no photos, and just kept the gløgg flowing. Venice always feels like such a community to me at the holidays ... we all come together to spread good cheer and let each other know how much we mean to each other all year long. At least that's how I see it.

Friends came and raised a glass by the fire as we all hoped for a better 2017, and bid a kind of fond farewell to the crazy year that we're just wrapping up. Cookies help. Especially if they're cherry chip.

We love to share our Norwegian heritage with folks who often have never heard of lefse, and some were treated to their very first cup of the Viking mulled wine concoction we call the gløgg. Shout out to my friend Mira for bringing the true Viking spirit and sporting braids with sparkly bows. Viking horns and costumes are always encouraged.

I'm heading back to the North Country tonight to be merry with the hometown crew, and feel so happy that my holiday finale in Venice was spent with such a wonderful crew of good people. To those that couldn't be there this year, you were missed and loved and felt.

God Jul/Merry Christmas to all! Love for an incredible new beginning in 2017, with the knowledge that the People have the power to make things good. We can do it.

* Group photo update coming as soon as Paul Gronner Photography edits them up!

Glögg Fest 2013 - Skål!

Much of Venice is in a fög today, after making very, very merry at Glögg Fest 2013 last night.

It's been in the high 70s outside for some reason all week, so it took some added effort to create a Winter Wonderland aesthetic in the new pad, but I think the vibe was felt.

For the first time ever at Glögg, I had a fireplace. So even though it was a balmy, Full Moon-lit night outside (and a furnace in the kitchen over the mulling cauldron), I had to have a fire going. Atmosphere. And then clothes started coming off, always a bonus.

I love Glögg night so much because I'm pretty into my traditions (as longtime friends will be happy to tell you), but also because I get to see the hard core honorary Vikings in town who won't miss it.

In some cases, I hadn't seen people almost since last year's pillaging.

Some folks just flew back into town that day, some are leaving town tomorrow (ME!), but all were in extra good holiday spirits and ready to get down on a Tuesday.

Indeed, as it was all still going until a few hours ago (Thanks and sorry, new neighbors!).

I always enjoy waking up the morning (ok, noon) after Glögg and seeing absolutely everything gone (especially the lefse that my Mom had made from scratch and sent from Minnesota - legit. Thanks, Mama!).

No cookie crumbs left, scraped out pans, and an empty red pot, with only the dregs of spices remaining on the bottom. That's so gratifying to see after spending hours with a rolling pin getting ready for this festive time of our year.

New friends were made, and old ones were treasured. Everyone was up for a night of Viking style celebration. A robust TUSEN TAKK to all who make it such a pleasure to Glögg (it's now a verb) with each year, as we bring the Minnesota to Venice.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, EVERYWHERE - from Glöggtown!!!