Thousands Expected for 21st Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Pow Wow

Organizers say they expect more than 30,000 people and participants at the 21st Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow, which starts at 4 p.m. Friday at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.

Hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the three-day event is a celebration of Native American dance, music and culture, with participants and tribal representatives from across the United States and Canada.

Hundreds of competitive dancers and drummers are planning to attend and compete for prize money, according to the Morongo tribe.

"Powwows are social gatherings of hundreds of Native Americans who follow traditional dances started centuries ago by their ancestors, which continually evolve to include contemporary aspects," a media advisory from the Morongo tribe states. "Thousands of Native Americans and visitors travel the Powwow circuit across the country all year. Powwows are attended by Natives and non-Natives, all of whom join in the dancing."

Each day will feature Color Guard Grand Entry parades, followed by flag ceremonies, then dance and drum contests, according to an event schedule.

Admission to the Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow is free.

"There are no 'spectators' at a Pow Wow," Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin and tribal council members said in a welcome statement. "All who attend are regarded as participants. Each of us has a place in the circle of people. Within this circle there is no beginning and no end. This coming together is at the heart of the traditional Pow Wow."

Grand Entries are scheduled at 8 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Morongo Indian Market will feature food Native vendors selling Indian tacos, tamales, Indian frybread, and lamb stew. More than 60 artisans will be selling authentic Native arts and crafts, including one-of-a-kind jewelry, beadwork, pottery, clothing and basketry items.

Scheduled event hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

For more information, visit 2011powwow.

To view images from last year's pow wow, or to follow a live webcast of the 21st Annual Moronogo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow, visit www.powwows.com.

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is at 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon.