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May Issue 2003
Native American Pow
Wow Comes to SC State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC
It's finally here again.the only authentic Native American Festival
that comes to Columbia, SC, each May. The Pow Wow takes place
at the State Fairgounds on May 17 & 18, 2003. Come join hundreds
of Native Americans representing countless tribes across America.
Soon you'll find yourself tapping your feet as you close your
eyes, immersed by the mesmerizing drums beating their sacred songs
as they echo mother earth's heartbeat. Stare in amazement at the
rich and colorful regalia dancers don as they dance in the sacred
circle of life. Smell the fry bread, Indian tacos, and buffalo
burgers that float through the air as soon as one enters Abernathy
Arena. Listen to the Lakota Sioux Elder explain about growing
up on her reservation or what it was like for her attending the
Indian Boarding School, away from her family and tribe. Hold back
tears as a famous Cherokee oral story teller thrills children
and adults alike with his moving stories that depict his people's
way of life, leaving the children with lifelong memories of poignant
Cherokee traditions passed down generation upon generation.
Watch the youngest of Indian children hurrying to join in the spiritual dances that carry them around and around the sacred circle, rejoicing in their Native ancestry. Watch the beautiful teen age girls jangling wherever they walk as they gracefully sway to the drum's hypnotizing beat, carrying its healing powers to afflicted people. Feel the excitement of the young men as their warrior achievements are honored via eloquent dance. Experience the unique customs Native Americans employ to honor their Elder's or the unusual accomplishments of tribal members. Rain or shine, come find our performers under the covered arena, eager to share and display their cultures and traditions.
A Native American Pow Wow is an excitement packed, eye jarring, stirring experience carefully detailed by the Master of Ceremonies. It is a gathering unlike any other, where Native and non-native come together to celebrate the history and glory of the American Indian. All Pow Wow's commence with the Grand Entry, a vibrant array of feathers and colors swishing behind the hand held staff of pelts and eagle feathers, representing the many Indian Nations. The dignified and honored Color Guard of American War Veterans follows close behind. Warriors are held in the highest esteem and are honored at all occasions, clearly depicted by these two groups. The tribal princesses and last year's Pow Wow princess follow, their titles representing morality and virtues. Countless breathtaking dancers follow the ever enlarging circle, their beaded moccasins gently tapping earth as their eloquent dresses and intricate shawls sway to the beating drum's call. Interspersed are the traditional warriors clad in outfits adorned with ankle and arm bracelets which mimic the beating drum. Singers encircle the accomplished drum group, the bloodline to Lakota, Iroquois, Apache, Cheyenne, Navaho, Arapaho, Chickasaw, Hopi, Cherokee, Seminole, Aztec, Choctaw Blackfoot, Catawba, Lumbee, Crow, Winnebago, Nez Perce, and more as they travel great distances to share their stories and lives with contemporary America.
Marvel at the elaborate footwork of the Fancy Dancer, sensing the foot contact with the earth with each rapid beat of the drum. Revel with the tribal elders as they smile, content that their young are learning the ancient traditions they too, will some day pass along to the youth of their tribes. Stroll outside the sacred circle and watch the Native American craftsmen and women displaying their stunning beadwork or exquisite pottery, southwest jewelry of silver, turquoise and opals, vestments, weaponry, blankets, and artifacts. Books, tapes, and videos are available along with information on regional speakers and performers for schools and businesses.
All ages and walks of life delight in the old and contemporary displays of Native American life in America. Whether one is more comfortable sitting back and enjoying the vibrant scenery munching on a Buffalo burger or actually joining in when invited to enter the sacred circle to dance, using the opportunity to converse with Native American artisans or photographing the vivacious festivity, this celebration is a rare opportunity where all come together to celebrate and rejoice in our American roots. This two day event educates, entertains, shares and above all celebrates the splendor and magnificence of the honored American Indian.
Hours for the event
are: Sat. 11am-10pm, (Grand Entry at noon and 6pm.) and Sun. 11am-6pm,
(Grand Entry at 1pm). Tickets are: Adults ($5), Children 7-12
($3), and School children admitted free providing they wear their
school shirt (one child per adult). Group rates and weekend passes
available upon request. RV camping space is also available (for
reservations - 803/799-3387). Contact person is Marty Good Shield
McKinney at 803/255-4310.
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing
Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc.
Copyright© 2003 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston
Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts
from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts
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