By Staff
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians annual Pow Wow has become a staple for many area residents along with people from all across the United States.
Thursday begins the 37th annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow event at the Poarch reservation and there are many fun, cultural events that occur throughout the two-day event.
The gates will open at 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday to begin the Pow Wow activities.
The mound activities for Thanksgiving day begin at 9:45 a.m. with the Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers. At 10:45 a.m. the Poarch Creek Indians Pow Wow Club will take over the arena and noon marks the opening ceremonies.
Paul Pearson will be performing the National Anthem on a steel guitar and tribal chairman Buford L. Rolin will welcome everyone.
A special guest speaker will be Miss Indian World Megan Young. The tribal youth will have a presentation and there will be a princess contest.
The dance arena activities will be held at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. with the grand entry, intertribal dance and dance competition.
At 4 p.m. the Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers will perform again.
There will also be cultural presentations presented by Tribal historic preservation officer Robert Thrower Thursday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Poarch Consolidated School.
Friday's mound activities will begin at 10 a.m. with the Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers and at 11 a.m. the Poarch Creek Indians Pow Wow Club will once again perform.
The dance arena activities begin at noon with the intertribal dance and dance competition.
The Pow Wow concludes at 5 p.m. when prize money is awarded.
There will be a pig chase and turkey shoot on both days. Also, craft and food vendors along with games and other activities will be available both Thursday and Friday.
Friday night after the Pow Wow is completed there will be a stomp dance at Poarch's Wellness &Activities Center.
Admission for the 37th annual Poarch Band of Creek Indians Pow Wow is $5 for individuals ages 12 and above, $3 for children ages 6-11 and children under the age of 5 get in free. PCI Tribal members are admitted free with their Tribal indentification cards.