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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Regional powwow revels in pageantry

Dancers in traditional regalia will fill the Riverfront Park Lilac Bowl with color through Saturday. The event draws tribal members from around the region. (File)
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This weekend’s powwow at Riverfront Park packs in three grand entries – three chances to witness the parade of dancers and singers in the traditional regalia of tribes from around the region.

The dancers will break into smaller competitions during the Spokane Falls Northwest Indian Encampment Market & Pow Wow, a gathering where tribal members celebrate their cultures and beliefs and others can hear the pounding rhythms and watch the footwork practiced by dancers from around the region.

Native Americans and non-Natives are invited to the powwow, held along the Spokane River, an important gathering spot for generations of tribal members.

The powwow was to start Thursday and continue today with vendors offering beadwork and jewelry along with frybread and Indian tacos; a fun run; and selection of the first Miss Gathering at the Falls.

Tribal girls ages 13 to 17 will compete for the title of Miss Gathering at the Falls, said Jenny Slagle, a powwow organizer. The winner will travel to other powwows to promote the Riverfront Park event.

On the schedule:

• Tonight’s grand entry starts at 7 at the Lilac Bowl and will be followed by more dancing.

• Saturday’s fun run starts at 9 a.m. and aims to draw attention to diabetes and HIV prevention. Participants can choose between 1- and 3-mile courses and should register by 8 a.m. Saturday at the pedestrian bridge north of the INB Performing Arts Center. (To register in advance, call 509-483-7535.)

• Saturday’s first grand entry starts at 1 p.m. at the Lilac Bowl, followed by a contest for Miss Gathering at the Falls candidates and more dance competitions.

• Starting at 7 p.m. Saturday: the final grand entry, the crowning of Miss Gathering at the Falls and more dancing.

Adrian Rogers

When: The powwow continues all day today and Saturday

Where: Events are centered at the Lilac Bowl at downtown’s Riverfront Park, north of the Spokane River across from the INB Performing Arts Center

Admission: Free

More information: Look for the Spokane Falls Northwest Indian Market, Encampment and Pow Wow page on Facebook or call (509) 981-8583