By By Adrienne McKenzie
The frigid air on Thursday and Friday did not keep anybody away from the 37th annual Pow Wow held at the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
The two-day festival held at the PCI Reservation had a good crowd, Tribal Council member Robbie McGhee said Friday afternoon.
PCI community relations director Sharon Delmar agreed.
The Pow Wow is full of entertainment, history and heritage. People in attendance are able to shop at the merchandise tents set up by many vendor booths. There were also several food booths set up.
Thanksgiving Day opened up with the Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers and then PCI had a special treat for the crowd.
JoAnne Butler, a dancer with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe located in Texas, said she has enjoyed herself at Poarch.
Opening ceremonies on Thanksgiving Day were at noon with Paul Pearson performing the National Anthem on a steel guitar and Tribal chairman Buford L. Rolin welcoming everyone in attendance.
Miss Indian World Megan Young was the special guest speaker.
There was also a princess contest on Thursday. The Indian Princesses include Dariane Guy as the Elementary Princess and Brenna Hall as the alternate, Destiny Morris as the Junior Princess and Deidre Smith as the alternate and Mallory Young as the Senior Princess and Danielle Martin as the alternate.
Friday concluded the Pow Wow at 5 p.m. and there was a stomp dance at Poarch's Wellness &Activities Center at 8 p.m.
Those responsible for the Pow Wow each year are the members of the Pow Wow committee, which include Gloria Fowler, Shirley “Pug” Roberson, Chris “Ding Ding” Blackburn and Connie Vickery.
Also the community relations department work to get the Pow Wow ready. The community relations staff includes Sharon Delmar, Mandy Peebles, Suzanna Lambeth and Gayle Johnson.