Those of you who may have seen Pocahontas walking into the Tyrone YMCA yesterday morning shouldn’t be alarmed. She was just one of the many 3 and 4-year-old pre-schoolers who participated in yesterday’s annual Indian Pow-Wow at the YMCA.
With names like “Singing Bird,” “Red Arrow,” and “Running Bear,” the children had an opportunity to dress as indians first, then transform to turkeys and finally pilgrims as they showcased the meaning of Thanksgiving in a singing-oriented performance in the Barney Mogle Gymnasium.
“It’s just a wonderful time for the kids to let loose a little bit before the Thanksgiving holiday and have some fun,” said co-director Linda Klesius. “Although it takes a whole month to get ready, it’s really worth it in the end helping these kids learn what Thanksgiving is all about.”
According to Klesius, the performance has been a steady event for more than 15 years. More than three dozen parents, caregivers, friends and family attended yesterday’s event.
The performance opened with co-director Ann Cushion, also known as Big Chief Light Foot, leading the 25 “little indians” into the gymnasium – all rising their knees high while singing to a native American donce groove.
The children then huddled into a circle and broke out with a song and performance rendition of “The Ten Little Indians.”
Dressed in headresses and painted, brown paper bag costumes, the children acted out scenes of rowing a canoe, pounding drums and sweeping the handmade teepee.
Following a trek through the woods; a simulated bear hunt (which ended with the children running for their lives); and a war dance, the children removed their indian gear and magically transformed into turkeys.
After singing “Tom Turkey,” the children changed once again, this time into Pilgrim costumes and sang “Ten Little Pilgrims,” which also included a performance.
The play ended with each child telling the audience what they were thankful for and the song “Thanksgiving Time is Here.”
Light refreshments were served following the performance in the Jungle Room.
Children who participated included: Hannah Klesius, Devin Lykens, Nicholas Bonsell, Sean McGovern, Sade Ortez, Kaleb Woomer, Harley Walters, Ryan Clouser, Zane Hertzler, Kyle Shultz, Shannon Julian, Aaron Brown, Carrie Yarnell, Madison Grazier, Kristen McWilliams, Elijah Oswalt, Ethan Naylor, Maddie Newsted, Makayla Ritchey, Makenzie Stouffer, Sage Dixon, Sean Dawson, Thalia Stout, Tori Crabtree and Taylor Dixon.
In addition to Klesius, who portrayed Big Chief Morning Rain, and Cushion, other YMCA staff members who assisted included Donna Glunt, or Big Chief Crazy Horse, and Jill Welsh, who portrayed Big Chief New-Kid-On-The-Block.
“The kids really enjoy themselves throughout the whole month with putting this thing together,” said Klesius. “They really enjoy making costumes – which they get to keep for themselves – and making up their names. It’s a good time that even we as instructors look forward to.”
By G. KERRY WEBSTER
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Those of you who may have seen Pocahontas walking into the Tyrone YMCA yesterday morning shouldn’t be alarmed. She was just one of the many 3 and 4-year-old pre-schoolers who participated in yesterday’s annual Indian Pow-Wow at the YMCA.
With names like “Singing Bird,” “Red Arrow,” and “Running Bear,” the children had an opportunity to dress as indians first, then transform to turkeys and finally pilgrims as they showcased the meaning of Thanksgiving in a singing-oriented performance in the Barney Mogle Gymnasium.
“It’s just a wonderful time for the kids to let loose a little bit before the Thanksgiving holiday and have some fun,” said co-director Linda Klesius. “Although it takes a whole month to get ready, it’s really worth it in the end helping these kids learn what Thanksgiving is all about.”
According to Klesius, the performance has been a steady event for more than 15 years. More than three dozen parents, caregivers, friends and family attended yesterday’s event.
The performance opened with co-director Ann Cushion, also known as Big Chief Light Foot, leading the 25 “little indians” into the gymnasium – all rising their knees high while singing to a native American donce groove.
The children then huddled into a circle and broke out with a song and performance rendition of “The Ten Little Indians.”
Dressed in headresses and painted, brown paper bag costumes, the children acted out scenes of rowing a canoe, pounding drums and sweeping the handmade teepee.
Following a trek through the woods; a simulated bear hunt (which ended with the children running for their lives); and a war dance, the children removed their indian gear and magically transformed into turkeys.
After singing “Tom Turkey,” the children changed once again, this time into Pilgrim costumes and sang “Ten Little Pilgrims,” which also included a performance.
The play ended with each child telling the audience what they were thankful for and the song “Thanksgiving Time is Here.”
Light refreshments were served following the performance in the Jungle Room.
Children who participated included: Hannah Klesius, Devin Lykens, Nicholas Bonsell, Sean McGovern, Sade Ortez, Kaleb Woomer, Harley Walters, Ryan Clouser, Zane Hertzler, Kyle Shultz, Shannon Julian, Aaron Brown, Carrie Yarnell, Madison Grazier, Kristen McWilliams, Elijah Oswalt, Ethan Naylor, Maddie Newsted, Makayla Ritchey, Makenzie Stouffer, Sage Dixon, Sean Dawson, Thalia Stout, Tori Crabtree and Taylor Dixon.
In addition to Klesius, who portrayed Big Chief Morning Rain, and Cushion, other YMCA staff members who assisted included Donna Glunt, or Big Chief Crazy Horse, and Jill Welsh, who portrayed Big Chief New-Kid-On-The-Block.
“The kids really enjoy themselves throughout the whole month with putting this thing together,” said Klesius. “They really enjoy making costumes – which they get to keep for themselves – and making up their names. It’s a good time that even we as instructors look forward to.”
