I attended the annual Stillaguamish Festival of the River and Pow Wow recently. The Stillaguamish is one of our numerous rivers in western Washington, also the name of one of our native tribes.
It was exciting to see the regalia and dance competitions. Dance groups included veterans, senior men, senior women and children, representing tribes of the Salish nations.
Also featured were young Apache men from Arizona, demonstrating their skills at hoop dancing.
The festival included various educational booths about the river, conservation, and wildlife. Exhibitors featured insect collections, birds of prey, and one large yellow boa! The snake seemed as relaxed as the children it was sprawled across.

An event MADE for photographs by the look of it — and this is a terrific collection here of yours, Joan!
I love that American Indian name ‘Stillaquamish,’ I wonder what the word derivation of it is?
Amazing about the snake entwined around the kids and they look so relaxed.
Last but not least, I love all the fabulous color and ceremony: Lucky you that you got to go to this event!
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Thanks for your lovely comments. Yes, the snake was amazing! I touched it and it was softer than I expected.
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My pleasure, Joan.
I’m curious: Was the snake moist or dry to the touch?
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Dry!
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