The first Saturday in June afforded many Illinois residents fresh country air at the Bison Photo Shoot and Flea Market in LeRoy, Illinois.
Historic tractors on display
The relaxing event was held on the grounds of the Grand Village of the Kickapoo. Co-sponsored by the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park and Midwest SOARRING Foundation, the event sought to raise funds to bring back the Kickapoo Pow Wow in 2014. Visitors had the opportunity to view an exhibit of over thirty vintage tractors on display, and browse a wide array of craft and flea market vendors.
Food was also available as many visitors choose to picnic and enjoy the peaceful scenery. The event was successful, raising about half of the funds needed to make the Pow Wow a go!
Illinois Unique Bison Photo Op
The highlight of the day was a hay rack wagon ride into the hilly bison pasture. Many with cameras in hand, expectantly watched for any signs of the bison as the tractor pulled wagon crossed a small ravine, and entered a wooded field with tall grass.
Lounging in the distance was the herd of fifteen bison, which included two calves and a new born calf, just borne the day before.
Hayrack wagon ride for bison photo shoot
On some of the rides the curious bison came close to the hay wagon, other times they grazed and rested at a distance of 100 to 150 feet. Riders snapped photos excitedly at the herd of bison who watched the visitors, and herded their young thru the brush.
Everyone was in awe at the magnificent animals, and hoped their photos would capture the strength and wild nature of America’s great four legged, so vital to Native people for thousands of years. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, Founder/President of Midwest SOARRING Foundation said he was given a vision to create a herd of bison as a spirit herd, as a way of honoring all that the bison had done for native people. Tours of the bison pasture continued for the rest of the day and the sponsors were pleased with the turn out for the event.
