By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
The forecast for Thursday couldn’t be nicer, and the organizers of the 39th annual Poarch Creek Indians Thanksgiving Pow Wow are delighted.
Buford Rolin, tribal chairman for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, said the forecast is calling for near-perfect conditions for the two-day event.
Rolin said organizers of the event are busy making final preparations for the thousands of visitors expected over the two-day event.
Gates open at 10 a.m. Thursday and noon on Friday. Admission is $5 per day.
The event began as a celebration on July 4 with more than 500 in attendance, Rolin said.
That idea has proven to be a good one with the event drawing visitors from near and far for the two days of activities.
Food will be plentiful for the event with vendors on hand for both days, Rolin said.
Traditional Thanksgiving fare will be available, as well as the popular roasted corn.
Events for the two days include the crowning of the Poarch Creek Princesses, Hoop Dance and Eagle Dance performances, as well as performances by the Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers. More than 300 dancers are expected to perform.
More than 100 vendors will be on the grounds with arts and crafts ranging from Native American items to contemporary products.
Friday’s events will include a special Black Friday Raffle with more than $6,000 in cash and prizes to be given away. One $3 ticket gets ticket holders into each of the six drawings planned.