26th Winter Pow Wow March 11-12 Welcomes Everyone

All are invited to experience the excitement, color and pageantry of American Indian dance and song at Indian Summer Festival’s 25th Annual Pow Wow Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

The traditional pow wow brings together people of all ages and from many nations to dance, sing, and enjoy each other’s company, eat and shop.

The pow wow opens with the pageantry of the “not to be missed” Grand Entry. Veterans carrying the eagle feather staff and the American flag are followed by men, women, teens and tiny tots wearing their best dancing outfits. All of the participants enter the arena to an energetic song.

There are plenty of opportunities for audience members to participate. When the emcee announces an “intertribal,” everyone is encouraged to join in the dancing. When a veteran’s song is announced, veterans, regardless of background, are honored and can participate.

This years pow wow staff and their tribal affiliations are Emcee: Dylan Prescott, Forest County Potawatomi/Ho-Chunk; Arena Director: Ronnie Preston, San Carlos Apache; Head Veteran: Bully Tomaw, Menominee and Host Drum: Wazi Jaci, Ho-Chunk.

Special entertainment on Saturday at 5pm will be provided by the Aztec Dancers. A non-denominational prayer ceremony will be held on Sunday.

The pow wow features an extensive marketplace where vendors offer arts and crafts, traditional foods and herbs, jewelry, books, and other items for purchase. Food vendors will offer fry bread, Indian tacos, corn soup and wild rice along with family friendly fare such as hot dogs and soft drinks.

The pow wow is held at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, reached by entering at Gate 5, 640 S. 84th St. Pow wow hours are 11am to 10pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Grand Entry times are 1pm and 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. Those attending the prayer ceremony at 10am are admitted free.

Admission prices are $8/general admission, $6/elders 60 and over. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.

Dates for this year’s 31st Anniversary Indian Summer Festival are Sept. 8-10 at Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds). Indian Summer Festival is North America’s largest American Indian festival and provides an entertaining, fun and educational experience with American Indian traditions joined by contemporary features. Regular admission prices for the festival are $15 at the gate for adult admission (ages 13 and older) and $12 for elders. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free of charge.

For updates, visit www.indiansummer.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.