More than $35,000 in prize money will be on the line during the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s annual Contest Powwow set for Friday, August 15, through Sunday, August 17, at Uyxat Powwow Grounds, in Grande Ronde, Oregon.
The annual powwow – one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest – drew more than 250 Native dancers in 2013. This year, dancers will compete for prize money in 20 categories.
Registration begins at 5 p.m. Friday, August 15; followed by the first Grand Entry at 7 p.m. Grand Ronde Royalty coronation also will be held Friday evening.
On Saturday, August 16, a parade between the pow wow grounds and Fort Yamhill State Park will be held at 10 a.m. and include cash prizes. Grand entries will be held at 1p.m. and 7 p.m.; the deadline for dancer registration is set for 2 p.m.
On Sunday, August 17, the lone Grand Entry will occur at 1 p.m.
Scheduled host drums will be Young Bear and Young Spirit, with The Woodsmen as the honorary host drum. The women’s Traditional, and men’s Round Bustle are this year’s dance specials, which include an $800 first-place award and four consolation prizes for each dancer. Day pay is guaranteed for the first 20 visiting drums.
The Master of ceremonies is Edmund Nevaquaya. Charlie Tail Feathers will act as head judge, and Fred Ike Jr. will be the arena director.
Camping at Uyxat Powwow Grounds is available for $5, which includes a parking pass. Parking is copy a day or a donation of canned food. Weekend passes are available for $3.
A shuttle also will transport pow wow enthusiasts from Spirit Mountain Casino to the pow wow grounds.
No pets are permitted around the powwow arena and the powwow is a drug- and alcohol-free event.
For more information, call 503-879-2037; or go to, GrandRonde.org.
Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/08/14/grand-ronde-tribe-host-2014-contest-powwow-35000-grabs-156403