Pow Wow

The Annual Iowa Tribal Powwow is a 3-day cultural event geared towards family activities of all ages. It is always held on the 3rd weekend of June. The Powwow Chairman is elected by the People at their annual council meeting every two years. This Committee works hard for months to host a summer celebration for Native American dancers and singers; and a ‘homecoming’ for tribal members. On Saturday morning, camper activities begin for all ages with a walk/run. Rations are also distributed to all those who have put up their ‘camp’. There are games for the children and the young at heart, including horseshoes, turtle races, 3 on 3 basketball tourneys, and a Golf tournament in town/Perkins. Gourd dancing is held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the air-conditioned comforts of the activities building, with supper being served to the entire camp on Saturday right after the Gourd Dance. Around 7 or 8 o’clock the spectacular Grand Entry of dancers is held in the beautiful outside arena. Friday nights feature the tiny tot dancers along with the juniors and teen categories. On Saturday night the women dancers are featured and on Sunday the men will be featured. All the dancers from each respective dance category will come dressed in their best and finest dance regalia competing for hundreds of dollars in prize money. This event is open to the public and free of charge – bring lawn chairs or enjoy the beautiful sight from the bleacher seating surrounding the dance arena; and around the perimeter of the arena come and enjoy food vendors and pick up a souvenir from the many arts and crafts booths.