GATHERING—Luella "Kicking Deer" Lane and Butch "Winterhawk" Thompson pause for a photo outside their Sparta home following an interview last week. The two are co-hosting the informal Native American gathering this weekend in Crouse Park.

Sparta residents help host Native American gathering

Sparta residents of Lokota Sioux descent are helping host an informal Native American gathering this weekend at Crouse Park. Heading up the event that will begin Friday night are Luella "Kicking Deer" Lane and Butch "Winterhawk" Thompson. The two are working in conjunction with the Alleghany Sesquicentennial Committee and the Town of Sparta to give the community a taste of Native American heritage.

Lane explained an informal gathering is similar to a "powwow" held by Native American people, where participants demonstrate their skills through dance, playing drums and showing and selling handmade crafts, including dreamcatchers. However, in the case of an informal gathering, visitors will not be charged a fee to view the festivities.

"There are so many different nations of people who are planning to participate," Lane said. Thus far, Lane and Thompson have heard from friends and a "few outsiders" expressing interest in coming to the event.

Although the event officially begins Saturday, it is anticipated musical performances will be held after Friday night setup, as well as activities throughout the day Saturday.

"That's what we normally do when we go to gatherings and powwows, drink coffee and play music," remarked Lane. "I'd like the native people to hear some fiddle, banjo and that kind of music." Discussing the matter last week, Lane and Thompson went over the prospective schedule, beginning with Saturday morning events. At 9 a.m. Saturday, a good morning prayer song will be performed, following at 10 a.m. with the recognition of local veterans and the setting of a drum that will be played throughout the day by Youghtanund drummers and singers, along with native dancing. At 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., intertribals—featuring more than one tribal group—will take place. On tap thus far are storytelling, a demonstration of creating fire and similar activities.