"It's a traditional time for the Southside to have its celebration," said Robert Mad Plume Friday, Aug. 5. "They used to go from small community to small community along the river valleys." This year marks the 14th edition of the Heart Butte Society Celebration since the revival of the society in 1992, but Mad Plume's remark makes it clear summer celebrations are the rule rather than the exception in Blackfeet country.

"This is the fourteenth, and the committee has worked hard to prepare and organize," Mad Plume continued. "There were obstacles, funding and isolation. We bring the celebration to the outside community."

The point system for dancers starts at the 1 p.m. Grand Entry on Friday, Aug. 12, but dancing begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11. Dancers will compete in all categories, including traditional, fancy, jingle, grass, golden age, chicken, buckskin and team dancing, as well as men's and women's clowns. Jay St. Goddard, Earl Old Person and Arnold Calf Boss Ribs are the emcees. Clarence Comes At Night, Philip Paul, Ron Ladue and Kevin Kicking Woman are the arena directors.

As always, free camping is featured, as well as showers, wood and security. There are two fun runs slated, the first being the Road Warrior Classic at 10 a.m. Friday and the second the Southern Piegan Diabetes Program Fun Run at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Every day features an aspect of Indian life. Elders, youth and veterans are all honored with days focused on them. The HBSC Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, and finally, the Crazy Dog versus Blackfeet Veterans stickgame, an annual event, is set for Sunday, Aug. 14, with Gerald Cooper of the Veterans promising a victory this year.