Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
4 things you’ll see at the Thanksgiving Pow Wow—make plans now to attend Nov. 28-29
Reading time: 3 minutes
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Every Thanksgiving in Atmore, Alabama, the Poarch Creek Indians (PCI) celebrate their heritage with vibrant dances, locally-made goods and a whole lot of family fun.
Just a three-hour drive from downtown Birmingham, this cultural celebration is one event you won’t want to miss. Keep reading for all you can expect at PCI’s 52nd Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow.
Thanksgiving Pow Wow event details
Held annually since 1971, the Thanksgiving Pow Wow has brought neighbors and visitors to PCI’s reservation lands to experience their unique traditions and honor the Tribe’s place in Alabama’s history.
- When: Thursday, November 28–Friday, November 29 | 10AM
- Where: Pow Wow Grounds, 6477 Jack Springs Road, Atmore, AL 36502
- Who: Anyone + everyone eager to immerse themselves in the PCI culture
- Cost: $15 for both days | $10 for one day | Free for ages 6 and under
- Registration only in-person
DYK November is Native American Heritage Month? The Thanksgiving Pow Wow is a great opportunity to learn about PCI and the contributions of Native Americans, both historically and today.
Here’s what you’ll find at the Pow Wow:
1. Vibrant dance competitions
Several of the most popular events at the Thanksgiving Pow Wow are the dance competitions.
Featuring several different styles of dance with a variety of age categories and male and female divisions, these competitions are both entertaining and educational.
Plus, these dancers are competing for over $125,000 in combined prize money!
2. Tribal drum contests
Competitive tribal dances aren’t the only thing you can catch at the Thanksgiving Pow Wow.
For both days of the festival, drummers will compete for cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $12,000.
Tribal drums are beautifully decorated representatives of Native American culture, and the sounds have often been compared to that of a human heartbeat.
3. Crowning of the Poarch Creek Indian Princesses
Another highlight is the annual crowning of the Poarch Creek Indian Princesses.
The Princesses range in age from childhood to elders and are chosen through a point system, which includes an interview process, talent demonstration, appearance and knowledge of cultural items.
Once crowned, Princesses serve as Ambassadors for the Tribe at public events and Tribal gatherings all across the U.S.
4. Locally-made crafts, clothes, food + more
In addition to the main performances at the Pow Wow, you can shop crafts and goods made by local artisans.
Each vendor carries clothes, jewelry and more accessories that each tell a story.
Stop by, meet a new friend and snag a unique gift for someone special (or yourself)!
The Thanksgiving Pow Wow originated to celebrate the homecoming of Tribal Citizens. Join this celebration at the 52nd Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow, November 28-29.
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