28th Indio Powwow November 27, 2009

The 28th Indio Powwow comes to the Cabazon reservation and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino this Thanksgiving weekend, November 27-29. Happening inside the resort’s Special Events Center, the powwow brings thousands of tribal and non-tribal people together for a celebration of culture and customs. If you have never been to a powwow, expect lots of vivid colors, dancing, native American drumming, bird songs, art and native foods, and a close-knit sense of community. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under. For information, call (760) 238-5770, or visit the Fantasy Springs website at www.FantasySpringsResort.com and click on the “Cabazon Indians” button. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is located just off Interstate 10 at the Golf Center Parkway exit next to the city of Coachella.

Historically, Native American tribes have come together annually to trade, socialize and honor feats of bravery and achievement. Fall gatherings celebrated the successful harvest and allowed people to come together to feast, dance, sing and hold ceremonies. The 28th annual Indio Powwow features tribes from across the United States and Canada who come in elaborate regalia to show their skill in dance and singing competitions.

A highlight of each powwow is the Grand Entry, when all the dancers form a procession, winding around the arena in a clockwise direction. Preceding the dancers are the Eagle Staff and the Bird Singers.

The powwow opens on Friday, November 27 from 5:00p.m. to midnight. Grand entry is scheduled for 8:00p.m. On Saturday, festivities start at 11:00a.m. with grand entry scheduled at 1:00p.m. and 8:00p.m., closing at midnight. Sunday the powwow gets underway at 11:00a.m. with the grand entry at 1 p.m., and the powwow closing for another year at 6:00p.m.

Visitors to the Indio Powwow will have an opportunity to taste Native American foods such as Indian fry bread and shop among 60 vendors for jewelry, weavings, dream catchers and other types of Native American art. There are also opportunities to join dancers in the arena during noncompetitive intertribal dancing.

The Indio Powwow is a rich part of the Cabazon Indian’s heritage and they welcome everyone to share in this special yearly tradition.

Official Website: http://www.fantasyspringsresort.com