By By Adam Prestridge
Thanksgiving is almost here and that means time for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians' annual Thanksgiving and intertribal Pow Wow.
"Preparations are going great," Poarch Creek Indians community relations director Sharon Delmar said. "We have many activities planned to entertain and educate visitors about the traditions and culture of the Poarch Creek Indians and other visiting tribes."
Last year was the first year the Pow Wow was held in one day, opposed to prior years when it was held over the course of three days. This year it will also be a one-day event.
"It worked out well for us so we're going to continue it as a one-day event," Delmar said
Gates will open for the Pow Wow at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Activities will begin at 9:45 a.m. with the Philadelphia Choctaw Tri-Community dancers followed by the Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers at 10:30 a.m.
"We have tribes visiting from all over the country," Delmar said. "One special highlight this year is that we'll have Aztec dancers dancing."
The Aztec dancers will entertain the crowd at 11:15 a.m. followed by the opening ceremonies at noon.
"We're anticipating a large crowd this year," Delmar said.
Megan Young will sing this year's National Anthem and Tribal Chairman Fred L. McGhee will extend a welcome to visiting tribes and spectators.
"Of course the crowning of the Poarch Creek princess is a big highlight," Delmar said. "The dance competition is also real popular."
The princess contest will follow with an elementary, junior and senior princess being crowned. Elementary contestants include, Hannah Gibson, Toni Gibson, Elizabeth Mitchell, Kortlan Peebles and Kaitlin Rolin. Junior contestants include, Shawna Montgomery, Kimberly Rolin, Laura Sells, Brooke Tullis and Taylor Wiggins. Senior contestants include, Kaci Martin and Kim McGhee.
At 1 p.m., the grand entry, intertribal dance and intertribal dance competition will be held. The Oklahoma Creek Stomp dancers will perform again at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Aztec dancers' second show at 5 p.m. and the Philadelphia Tri-Community dancers at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the intertribal dance competition will be held.
Crafts and food vendors will be available all day. A pig chase, turkey shoot and other games and activities will also be available throughout the day.
A stomp dance will be held Friday night. The location of the dance has not been announced.