Every August, the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation hosts one of the most highly anticipated events on the Northern Plains: the Crow Fair. Since its inception in 1904, when Crow leaders and a government agent collaborated to create a platform showcasing the cultural distinctiveness and entrepreneurial spirit of the Crow Tribe, the fair has grown into a massive “family reunion under the Big Sky.” Welcoming tribes from across the Great Plains, it’s not just a cultural event but a proud assertion of Native identity and modernity. At the heart of this multi-day gathering lies the Crow Fair Parade, an awe-inspiring procession often described as the greatest fashion show in Indian Country.
The parade is more than just a display of tribal unity and heritage—it’s a stunning showcase of Native fashion, where tradition meets modernity. Winding through the campground and ending at a field near the fairgrounds, this mile-long spectacle transforms the landscape into a living runway. Riders on horseback, often draped in beadwork and intricate designs, are the stars of the show, with both rider and horse dressed in complementary, matching regalia. Each detail, from the riders’ outfits to the beaded saddles and bridles on their horses, represents hundreds of hours of labor and love.
For the Crow, this is not merely about personal adornment—it’s a statement of pride. The beadwork, fashion, and matching sets worn by the riders and their horses showcase a deep connection to heritage while simultaneously highlighting individual and familial creativity. Families plan and craft these outfits every year, working tirelessly on each piece to achieve flawless presentations. It’s a way to honor their horses, themselves, and their tribe’s history and to stand tall in their identity.
The unity between rider and horse sets the Crow Fair Parade apart as a unique fashion event. Beadwork, quillwork, and intricate designs flow from rider to horse, often in a perfect color-coordinated symphony. There’s something mesmerizing about seeing traditional Crow designs adorning horses’ saddles, blankets, and bridles. The horses become an extension of their riders, embodying the same pride and cultural expression, whether in bold geometric beadwork patterns or floral motifs passed down through generations.
The parade’s fashion element isn’t limited to historical or traditional designs. Many participants incorporate modern twists into their outfits, blending the old with the new. These innovative choices keep the Crow Fair Parade fresh yet rooted in tradition. Beadwork may be paired with contemporary fabrics, or a modern silhouette might be embroidered with ancestral designs. This fusion of eras allows riders to honor their ancestors while pushing the boundaries of Native fashion.
For a fashion magazine like Native Max, the Crow Fair Parade offers a window into the intersection of tradition, identity, and self-expression. This is more than an artful display of clothing—it’s a fashion narrative that speaks to the resilience, creativity, and pride of the Apsáalooke people. Each piece of clothing, each bead, and each stitch carries a story, often reflecting familial or tribal history. Every participant, from the youngest to the eldest, embodies the enduring legacy of Indigenous fashion as they ride with grace and pride.
At the Crow Fair Parade, the Apsáalooke show the world that Native fashion is alive and evolving. It’s about what you wear and the stories you tell through your art. And in this parade, every rider and horse is a storyteller, leaving an indelible mark on the Northern Plains with their cultural splendor.
