Once the ceremonial drum was set up in the center of the sacred circle, the program began with a number of gourd dances.
According to the official program, only gourd dancers can dance during the gourd dance. The dancing itself is very simple, with the men standing in place and lifting their heels to the beat of the drum while they shake their rattles or gourds. The dances were begun by the Head Gourd Dancer, in this case a Charles Chibitty.
As you can see from the photos, the dress for the gourd dance was not elaborate. Some of it was traditional and some modern-day, every-day clothing.