Rain slightly dampens festival
Monday, June 22, 2009
Rain couldn’t stop Wah-Shun-Gah Days activities Saturday at Council Grove. The storms interrupted plans, and organizers moved some of the outdoor events to venues inside. But the annual celebration went on with only a few adjustments and a smaller-than-normal crowd,
The Kaw Nation’s pow wow, held each year in conjunction with Wah-Shun-Gah Days, traditionally has been held on the grounds of the Kaw Mission. The pow wow, its accompanying vendors and other entertainment were moved Saturday from the Mission to the Dunlap gymnasium, which has been undergoing restoration to be used as a hub for community activities.
Street dances — to “Rival” on Friday night and to “Ruckus” on Saturday — were held at the Main Street tent.
This year event marked the 150th anniversary of a confrontation in Council Grove between town residents and members of the Kaw Nation. At least two deaths inadvertently resulted from the confrontation, after a shot was fired into the air. The cause of the shot was misinterpreted and an exchange of gunfire followed.
The National Weather Service officially reported .25 inch of rain on Saturday at the Council Grove city lake north of town, but rainfall in the town was heavier.
“Actually, the parade happened in the rain,” said Helen Judd of the historical society. “It was a very light rain.”
After the hour and a half parade, rainfall turned heavier and sent festival-goers scurrying for cover.
“People kind of hung around,” Judd said. “I don’t actually know where they were because when it stopped raining in the afternoon, there were people on the street.”
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