Annual Nanticoke Powwow set for Sept. 11-12
“In the powwow circle, we celebrate life and honorable deeds for both the living and those who have passed on. We’re taught that by honoring individuals, we encourage the next generation to embrace the unlimited possibilities of the world,” organizers of the 33rd Annual Nanticoke Powwow said this week.
This year’s powwow will feature authentic native crafts, clothing, jewelry, books and commemorative items of the Nanticoke tribe. These items will be available for purchase throughout the weekend, as will Native and American food and soft drinks.
One of the dances those attending might observe this year at the 33rd Annual Powwow is the Grass Dance. It is believed to have originated with the Omaha Tribe, organizers noted.
“All stories of the dance point to the dance as ceremonial,” they said. “In the South, some tribes believe it was connected to a warrior society and that scalps were tied to the dancers’ clothing to celebrate victory in battle.
“The Grass Dance, to the northern tribes, is believed to be a blessing ceremony for new ground. The dancers would trample the grass down in preparation for a village and grass was tied to the dancer. As the dancer moves, the fringe attached to his regalia sways as if to simulate the natural movement of tall prairie grass.
“The dance is said to represent the balance of life. The dancer must perform the same move on either the right or left. The dancer’s regalia are covered with yarn and ribbons that sway, and he wears a lot of color.”
Attendees who are wheelchair bound or have motorized wheelchairs should enter the powwow grounds on Mount Joy Road and will be directed to the identified parking area where unloading and access to seating is convenient.
Unless otherwise directed, handicapped attendees who normally use the general powwow parking area can continue to do so if they are able to load their wheelchairs and ride the tram to the powwow grounds. Special seating for these handicapped individuals will continue to be available and monitored by powwow staff.
The powwow grounds are located in the middle of a wooded area off Route 24, John J. Williams Highway. Powwow signs will be posted along Route 24 between Routes 113 and 1. The powwow grounds will open at 10 a.m., and Grand Entry on Saturday will be at noon, with the second dance session at 4 p.m. Sunday morning will begin with a worship service at 10 a.m. Grand Entry on Sunday is at 1:30. The 40 Native American crafts and food vendors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.
All-day parking, including admission, costs $8 per car. Walk-in admission costs $2 for adults and $1 for children. The cost is $5 for motorcycles and $25 for buses plus $2 for each person on the bus. The driver will have to collect fees on each bus.
“At the end of each day, when the drummers and dancers have gone for their well-earned rest and relaxation with friends, visitors to the Nanticoke Powwow will go away with arms filled with beautiful crafts and cameras filled with magnificent pictures, and heads and hearts filled with memories of grace, color, dance, sound and smiles,” organizers promised.
