Drumming, dancing highlight Cherokee Memorial Powwow
Native dancers from across the United States and Canada dressed in elaborate regalia will compete for prizes and bragging rights during the Memorial Day Powwow, May 26-27 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee.
This annual event draws more than 200 dancers and more than 2,000 spectators. Men and women compete for thousands of dollars in different age groups there are participants younger than 5! In dances including traditional, grass, jingle, fancy, and more. There is also a drumming contest and arts and crafts displays. R.G. Harris, from Apache, OK, will serve as the arena director. Grand Entries will be at 1:00 and 7:00 on Saturday and 1:00 on Sunday. Eastern Band members Will Tushka and Duck Lossiah will serve as the head dance and drum judges, respectively. The dancers will make collective dramatic grand entrances at 1 p.m. And 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Powwows are hugely popular social gatherings among Native communities and a powwow "season" from March to September keeps many dancers on the circuit and spectators in the seats. The dances aren't traditional to every dancer, but powwows have become pan-Indian celebrations of Native values and identity. These events offer great opportunity for non-Natives to appreciate a diversity of Native cultures. Beyond this, the powwows are safe, family entertainment that includes everyone from young children to tribal elders. Many powwows promote themselves as a safe, drug-free environment. In the case of the Cherokee Memorial Day Powwow, all dancers must be members of a state or federally recognized tribe to enter competition.
"The Memorial Day Powwow is a fun celebration, a time for tribe members to visit with old friends and visitors," said Janice Wildcatt of Cherokee Travel and Tourism. "We love introducing newcomers to aspects of Native culture and it's rewarding for us to see non-Natives with such an interest in the traditions of the First Americans."
Admission to the powwow is $10 per day with children 6 and under admitted free. Gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds is at 745 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee. For more information, call Janice Wildcatt at (828) 497-8122 or visit www.cherokee-nc.com.
Plus, while you are in Cherokee don't forget to visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village which opened for the season on May 11. Also, "Unto These Hills ... A Retelling will begin nightly performances on June 8.
![Sambut[1].gif](http://thunder-fox.com/DailyFeast/Sambut[1].gif)
