Day Trip: PowWow

DAY TRIP

Have You Ever Been To A PowWow?

The Mid-America All-Indian Center hosts an American Indian Festival in July, and you only have to go to Wichita to be part of the American Indian way of life.

The sun fades outside, and American Indians dance to honor the customs of their tribes. Drums beat out an ancient rhythm as singers repeat a chorus and verse. Around you are the sights and sounds of hundreds upon hundreds of people who have come together to display the traditions of their people; their stories and their skills, their regalia and their food, their songs and their dances. It is not a dream. You are at the American Indian Festival.

The Festival is a twoday event hosted by the Mid-America All-Indian Center in Wichita, Kansas. It is the premier intertribal powwow in the region, referred to as “the big one.” Co-chairs for the event are Lynn and Louie Stumblingbear; Headstaff will include dancers Kecia Two-Hatchett and Jerry Perdasofpy, head singer Howard Cozad and Emcee Manny King. The American Indian Festival provides a rare look at the art, dance, history and songs of the

Where and When:

Century II Expo Hall Admission: Wichita, KS $5 Adults Single Day July 14-15 $3 Youth (6-16) Saturday 10 pm – 10 pm Children under 6: Free Sunday 10 pm – 6 pm $4 Elders (55 and older) For more information: www.theindiancenter.org

Photos courtesy of the Mid-America All-Indian Center.

American Indian people.

For the entire two days, visitors to the Festival can move between a variety of activities and special presentations, including: • Contest PowWow • Special Presentations • Fine Art Market • Food Booths • Youth Art Show • Arts & Crafts Booths

There are many activities targeted to kids. Don’t miss the special presentations, like a visit with the birds from Eagle Valley Raptor Care, or

by Nancy Norton, Executive Editor

the folklore and rituals that go with the Painting of the Ponies. You can see demonstrations on how to make tribal arts like baskets, pottery and bead work, as well as displays of traditional methods of food preparation like grinding corn. Some activities occur at specific times, so check the event website for details.

The Festival’s largest attraction is the Contest PowWow, which starts both days with a Grand Entry at 1 pm and continues until closing. During the Contest PowWow, American Indian dancers from different tribes will compete in several dance categories. There are contests for men, women and youth. You can even join in and test your own skills as a dancer. Points are awarded for regalia (traditional tribal clothing and ornamentation) as well as skill. The dancers come together with drums and singing for an experience you won’t forget. n