Once again, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park will host a Native American Pow Wow, to be held tomorrow and Sunday, July 15-16.
This is the ninth year for the event and DelGrosso’s is pleased to welcome back Ezra Fields as Master of Ceremonies for the weekend’s events. Ezra, a Pawnee Indian, has traveled and performed all over the country.
This year’s event is dedicated to Ezra’s late wife, Shirley Fields, who has been an important part of the Pow Wows at the park.
Arena Director for the event is Urie Ridgeway, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape. Co-host drum will be Iron Horse. Drum group Cedar Tree will also be here this year.
The dance ceremony will take place at the Tipton Creek Railroad and provide fun for the entire family. There will be dancing, drumming, singing, arts, crafts, food and much more.
The Pow Wow is not only a time for fun but it is also a time of competition for the dancers, who have traveled here from all over the United States.
Men, women and children dress in full Indian regalia to compete.
They are judged in several different categories, and on Sunday, winners will be recognized for their achievements at an awards ceremony.
This year’s Head Man Dancer is Brian General, Seneca. Head Lady Dancer is Naomi Powless, Mohawk. The head judge is Bill Fields, Pawnee.
Some of the more popular dances include traditional dance, grass dance, fancy dance, straight dance, two-step freestyle with a man and woman, and the women’s jingle dance.
Youngsters will also share their dancing abilities during the competition.
New this year is the addition of prizes for fourth place finishers in each category. In previous years, monetary prizes were awarded to first, second and third place finishers.
According to park representative Jeff Ingram, last year nearly 100 dancers participated in the competition.
“We’re hoping this year to surpass that record,” said Ingram.
He also said the crowd has been growing each year as more people enjoy the weekend of entertainment, fellowship and shopping.
Along with the exhibition and competition, there will also be vendors selling everything from beautiful handmade jewelry to authentic Indian food.
All the participants and vendors are the invited guests of Ezra and many have been taking part in this event since the beginning.
Tomorrow, the event will begin at 11 a.m. with a message from Ezra. Grand entries will be at noon and 6 p.m.
Sunday’s grand entry will be at noon.
The park grounds open each day at 8 a.m.
Some bleacher seating will be available, but it is suggested that individuals bring a lawn chair.
“We have such unique guests, and each year the event keeps getting bigger, so come early and join the fun,” said Ingram.
Both admission and parking for this event are free.
