“This year’s powwow is a contest powwow,” said Connie Lesser, who serves as secretary for the committee that holds the annual event. “That means there will be competitive dancing going on during certain parts of the event.”

Lesser said the Powwow Committee is currently looking for volunteers to help run the event.

“We need volunteers to help us run some of the minor parts of the powwow,” said Lesser. “Things like helping to run the front desk and some of the contests, and monitor some of the different stations. It’s a lot of fun, and it gives people a chance to get a birds-eye view of what goes on during the powwow.”

The event — which is slated for the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, April 4, and from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, April 5 — will feature an array of talented Native American artists, according to Lesser.

“The Southern Drum host this year is Robert Tehauno of Lawton, Okla.,” said Lesser. “The Northern Drum host is Northern Vibe from Jemez Pueblo, N.M. The drum hosts are responsible for keeping the event flowing without interruptions, and the names indicate what type of music and songs the hosts perform. The Southern Drum host plays music that is low in pitch and slow, while the Northern Drum host will provide music that is fast-paced with a high pitch.”

Arena director is Fabian Galvan of Lubbock and emcee for the event is Tim Harjo of Ada, Okla. The Head Female Dancer is Charlotte McCurtain of Indiahoma, Okla., and the Head Male Dancer will be Terry Pecos of Albuquerque, N.M.

According to committee treasurer Randy McKinney, the powwow is not a religious event, but will certainly help those in attendance lift their spirits.

“The powwow is a social event and there is no Native American religion involved; there will be no medicine men and no ceremonies,” said McKinney. “A powwow is a wonderful experience; the drum alone will lift your heart and make your feet want to dance.

“Dancing has always been a big part of the Native American culture, as it has in many cultures. Most people thin of war dances or rain dances. However, Native Americans dance for many reasons — a good hunt or harvest, marriage or childbirth, or just for the fun of it. These dances would last for days.”

Vendors offering many different wares will also be available and a food drive is scheduled with all donated canned goods given to local food banks.

“The vendors will be selling all kinds of Native American wares, from jewelry and art to food, like the traditional fry bread,” said Lesser. “There will also be a silent auction, so it should be a lot of fun for everyone in the family.”

The event will kick off Saturday with gourd dancing at 11 a.m. and grand entry set for noon. Following grand entry, contest dancing will continue until a dinner break at 5 p.m., with a second round of gourd dancing at 6:30 p.m. and a second grand entry at 7 p.m., with the event shutting down for the night at 10 p.m.

Sunday the event begins with a special Christian worship service at 9:30 a.m. in the arena, followed by gourd dancing and the Grand Entry.

Area businesses interested in showing support for the annual event can secure a sponsorship, with the deadline to participate March 28.

Admission to the event is $5 and children under 12 are free.

For more information about the powwow, contact Lesser at 264-8203, or visit the Powwow Committee’s Web site at www.powwowbigspring.com.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it