Although rain forced many of the activities inside, it did not dampen the festive spirit of the May 21 Native American Cultural Celebration.

The seven-hour event, which was held at Coon Rapids High School, included several hands-on demostrations of Native American crafts, information on nutrition and other health information and an opportunity for people to talk to Native American dancers about the regalia and how it’s made.

The event also had a display of antique regalia and materials used in creating the regalia and every day items and demostrations on how tipis were erected and wigwams built.

Approximately 600-800 were expected, said Brenda Davis, Anoka-Hennepin School District 11 American Indian Education program coordinator.

This event gave people an opportunity to learn about the Native American heritage and debunk the stereotypes that still exist, she said.

“The Native American culture created by the ancestors is of a beautiful and powerful nature,” Davis said