“This year’s powwow is a contest powwow,” said Lesser. “That means there will be competitive dancing going on during certain parts of the event.

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.

The Southern Drum host this year is Robert Tehauno of Lawton, Okla., according to Lesser. The Northern Drum host is Northern Vibe of 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,” said Lesser. “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.”

Vendors offering many different wares will 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 the 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 powwow begins with a special Christian worship service at 9:30 a.m. in the arena, followed by gourd dancing and the grand entry.

According to committee treasurer Randy McKinney, the powwow is not a religious event, but will 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.”

Admission to the event is $5. Children under 12 are admitted free.

For more information, 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