Staff Report
Gainesville —
The 4th Annual Gainesville Student Benefit Powwow is set for Saturday at the Gainesville High School gymnasium.
Sponsored by Morning Star Parent Committee, the event begins at noon with Mike Burgess taking the role of emcee.
“We are proud that Gainesville is able to sponsor the Powwow for the past three years and we anticipate a great turnout for our next one this Saturday,” Gainesville Middle School principal Terry Ashby said in a news release.
Ashby also noted the Choctaw Nation will provide the color guard for the event. The grand entry parade is at 2 p.m.
Proceeds from the powwow help provide funds for college scholarships for Native American students in Gainesville Independent School District, he said.
The event also includes arts and crafts, contests, food and raffles.
All veterans, color guards, gourd dancers, drums and princesses are welcome to participate.
In addition to gourd dancing, grand entry, intertribals and contests, Ashby said Aztec dancers will perform at 4:30 p.m. and the Mountain Spirit Dancers will perform at 7 p.m.
Ashby said some groups including the Mountain Spirit Dancers and the gourd dancers ask that guests not take photos of them. It’s best to be respectful of all the participants, he said, adding “Group shots are okay but if approaching an individual it’s best to ask permission prior to taking the picture.”
For contest information contact Cedric Ketcheshawno (580) 326-4979. For vendor information call Mark Higgins at (940) 727-8306.
