LeROY - For Glenn Barnhill, the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park Powwow near LeRoy this weekend offers a chance to live the culture so close to his heart. | Photo gallery | Video

"This is a way to let people know this way of life still exists. It's not something out of a storybook," said Glenn, whose American Indian name is Red Knife.

Barnhill was one of the dancers, singers and drummers from five tribes who performed during ceremonies Saturday. The powwow continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the park located east of LeRoy.

Participants and visitors were pleased with the return of the event, which was canceled last year after the property changed owners. The park was established about 10 years ago on a site that once was home to thousands of Kickapoo Indians.

The descendants of native American groups carry the burden of passing on the culture and traditions, according to Barnhill.

"I have been dancing since I was 4. My grandmother and grandfather taught me. In our household, we have two traditional languages - the Potawatomi and Lakota - and we use both," Barnhill said.

The powwow also serves as an introduction for visitors to American Indian culture and rituals.

Melissa and Richard Moody brought their young niece to see the buffalo and enjoy the wares at more than 20 vendors.

"This is our first time to come here. We were looking for something for kids to do. She enjoyed seeing the teepees, but she was a little nervous about the buffalo," Melissa Moody said.

Cody II, a buffalo brought from Minnesota to the powwow by Mike Fogel, roamed the park with trainer Valeria Shannon on his back. Fogel trained another famous Cody, who became known for his role in the movie "Dances with Wolves."

The experience of working on the movie left Fogel with the realization that much of the traditional culture had passed by the younger generation of American Indians.

"They're missing the mentors that helped their ancestors," Fogel said. "Those people are gone."

Dick DeLong of Chillicothe was responsible for keeping the Spirit Fire alive during the powwow. The fire is a spiritual gathering center of prayer and conversation at powwows. A bed of flat cedar surrounds the circular fire area. Loose tobacco and cedar are placed in the fire by participants as an offering with the belief that prayers rise with the smoke.

"The fire belongs to the people. It's a place to get centered," explained DeLong, a firekeeper for 11 years.

Angelo Padro, president of the park board, said the return of the powwow is important to many people.

"This is sacred ground," Padro said.