Alberta News Briefs [July]

World Chicken Dance Championships held
The third Annual World Chicken Dance Championships were held at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on June 19. Dancers participated in five divisions: Tiny Tot (under 6); Junior (7-12); Teen (13-17); Adult (18-44) and Senior (45+). All participants (except Tiny Tot) completed three rounds of competition to determine a champion. The dancing competition was evaluated by a seasoned group of Blackfoot judges who chose a winning competitor in each category based on the participant who had accumulated the highest number of points in the final round. Judges awarded points based on five key criteria. Among the competitors were returning champions Nat Iron Heart, Heart Butte, Montana, in the adult category; Stan Whiteman, Browning, Montana, in the senior category; and Colin Raine of Westaskiwin in the teen category. Most of the intricately designed costumes worn are hand made by the competitors and their family members.