For Immediate Release Media Contact: Steve Kappler or Marjorie Beenders
May 23, 2008 Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: info@tbwgroup.net
Osage River Pow Wow Brings Native American
Heritage to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. –For Native Americans, a pow wow is a time to come together to dance and sing, renew old friendships and preserve a rich heritage. For everyone else, a pow wow is an opportunity to learn about the native peoples who lived on this land and appreciate their fascinating culture.
Both groups will be equally welcome at the 8th annual Osage River Pow Wow, Friday-Sunday, June 20-22, at the Miller County Fairgrounds in Eldon on the north side of Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Hours will be 4:00-10:00 p.m. Friday, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Saturday, and 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission will be $3 for adults, $1 for children age 4-12 and no charge for children age 3 and under.
“Our pow wow is a celebration of life and an intertribal gathering. We usually attract around 4,000 people from all over the country,” says Pow Wow Committee President Janet Dudley. She got involved with Native American culture through her husband, Oscar, who is part Cherokee.
Dancing is the main attraction at the pow wow, accompanied by singing. “People come to dance for the Creator, for themselves, for elders who can’t dance or for those who have crossed over,” Dudley says. “It’s also a family reunion because everyone there is extended family.”
The central focus of the pow wow is the enormous, five-foot drum that sets in the center of a 90-foot circle, known as the arena, drawn on the fairgrounds field. “One of the most important things in the life of a Native American is the drum. It brings the heartbeat of Mother Earth to the pow wow for all to feel and hear,” Dudley says. “Whether we are dancing or just listening, people around the drum can connect with the Creator.”
Dudley explains the arena will be blessed early on Friday, before any activities take place. “When you enter it to dance or take part in a ceremony, it really feels like you are entering a church or sacred place. You can feel the spirits of the elders dancing with you,“ she says. The public is welcome to bring lawn chairs and sit around the circle to watch the variety of dances. “They even can join in during a Blanket Dance, when a big blanket is placed on the ground near the drum,” Dudley says.
The pow wow kicks off with Gourd Dancing from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday. Dudley explains that the gourd dancers are men who wear red and blue blankets around their shoulders and carry gourd rattles decorated with feathers. “The participants are U.S. military veterans or men who dance to honor their fathers or others who were veterans,” she notes. The Gourd Dance is followed by intertribal dancing from 7:00-10:00 p.m., including the Crow Hop, Two Step and Round Dance.
On Saturday, Gourd Dancing returns from noon to 1:00 p.m. Then it’s time for the colorful Grand Entry, a procession of all the people who will enter the arena, many carrying flags. “The arena director will line up everyone in order, starting with the United States flag, the POW flag, the state flag and tribal flags,” Dudley says. “It’s very moving and a beautiful thing to see.” The flags are carried by veterans who are followed by other important guests of the pow wow, including tribal chiefs, princesses, elders and pow wow organizers. Next come the male dancers, then the women dancers.
After the Grand Entry, intertribal dancing will continue until the 5:00 p.m. supper break, which is accompanied by flute playing. On Saturday evening, guests will enjoy another Grand Entry at 7:00 p.m. and more intertribal dancing. Also on Saturday evening, Princess Contest participants will perform their dances. The contest is open to girls age 8-18 who must have the proper regalia (not a costume, Dudley notes, but authentic tribal clothing and accessories), know and demonstrate the traditional dances and pass an interview with the judges. The winner will be announced on Sunday. Other Sunday activities will include Gourd Dancing, a Grand Entry and intertribal dancing until the pow wow closes at 5:00 p.m.
In addition, traders booths will be open throughout the event, starting at 4:00 p.m. Friday. This popular shopping area will feature hand-made beadwork, fans, dream catchers, pottery, decorative gourds, wood boxes and picture frames, bone and horn art, horse tack, walking sticks, clothing, books and CDs, silver jewelry, carvings and craft supplies. A perennial favorite snack, Indian fry bread, also will be available.
Pow wow sponsors will include Opie’s Transport, John Berry’s Accounting Service, Tan-Tar-A Resort and Pinnacle Telemarketing.
“The Osage River Pow Wow, now in its eighth year, is a wonderful event for families to experience Native American traditions and culture,” says Jim Divincen, executive vice president of the Tri County Lodging Association. “We invite everyone to come see the colorful dancing at the pow wow, and to enjoy all the fun activities on and off the water at the scenic Lake of the Ozarks.”
For more details about the Osage River Pow Wow visit www.osageriverpowwow.com. For information about other Lake-area events, as well as lodging, dining, shopping and attractions, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau’s web site, www.funlake.com.
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