Mix a dance contest, senior prom and a celebration of cultural heritage and you start to get an idea of the attraction of a powwow.

The annual Big Spring Powwow kicked off Saturday morning in Dorothy Garrett Coliseum and before all is said and done, thousands of people are expected to attend and participate in the event.

Three sessions — two Saturday and one Sunday — are scheduled. Admission to the event is $5 and children under 12 are free.

The first session began at noon Saturday with the traditional grand entry, featuring many participants dressed in their best Native American regalia.

A new feature this year is that dancers will compete for prizes, officials said.

Officials say you don’t have to be of Native American heritage to appreciate a powwow.

“Most people consider powwow a religious ceremony, but it’s not,” said Robert Downing, president of the powwow organizing committee. “It’s a social gathering. There are ceremonial aspects to it, but it’s really more just about getting together and having a good time.

“It’s like a Saturday sock hop, except everybody’s dressed different,” he added.

Downing also compared the event to a senior prom.

“It’s like a fancy dance with everybody dressed in their finest,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. I like participating and being part of that atmosphere.”

Sunday’s events begin with a  special Christian worship service at 9:30, followed by gourd dancing and the grand entry.

Powwow will conclude this year’s run around 5 p.m. Sunday, officials said.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it