RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Black Hills Powwow returns this weekend, starting Friday in the Monument Summit Arena. The event attracts people from across the country, whether it’s dancers, singers, artisans or spectators.
With the event having been cancelled the past two years, the Monument hopes for a decent amount of people.
Photos from past Black Hills Powwow events
Special events at Powwow:
While the powwow will be in the Summit Arena, the Barnett Fieldhouse will have the trade show vendors, fine arts exhibitors and some live entertainment (which is free to the public).
There will also be a youth hand-game tournament “Battle in the He Sapa” on Friday in LaCroix A&B with elementary, middle and high school brackets. Teams must have 10 members and it’s $200 per team to register. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the games begin at 1 p.m.
On Saturday, there’s an archery contest, “Wicah Ehake Najin Challenge,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rushmore 1. The shooting fee is $12 for adults and $8 for youths.
Wacipi One-on-One classes will be held throughout the schedule which gives more information about powwows, the traditions, the importance and different aspects of the event.
The number of people that might be there:
The Monument doesn’t have an exact estimate for the people that will be there, but Kraemer says they can expect a good turnout.
“All indicators are showing that we’re going to have a good weekend. Out hospitality partners are very excited and there’s a lot of buzz around town looking for big numbers of people coming in — whether it’s dancers, drummers, trade show booth vendors,” Kraemer said.
Why should this event be something to experience?
“We’re very proud to have this event here at the Monument. We have a long standing history with the Powwow board and its organizers. It’s super important for us just where we’re from,” Kraemer said. “We have all kinds of friends and relatives that will be coming here for this event. It’s great cultural awareness for us and we encourage everyone who has never been to a powwow before to please come down and take part. It’s something that you will never experience, probably anywhere else. It’s a bigger and better event. You’ll stand up here [in the stands] and you’ll see this floor covered with dances, and it’s quite something. It’s a spectacular event to see.”
Cost of the Powwow:
If you want to attend every day, a three-day pass can be bought at $35 for adults, $29 for groups and $25 for youths. A one-day pass on any day over the weekend is $19.50 for adults and $13.50 for youths.
Click here to buy a ticket.
Other events to enjoy the next few days:
There will be a Native American Day Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. The line-up for it is at 2nd and Main St. at 8 a.m.
On Monday, the 2022 Remembering the Children Memorial Walk will start at 10 a.m. at the Flower Gardens in Sioux Park. The walk is a mile long to Sioux San. At the Remember the Children Memorial Site, there will be a prayer meal, opening statements, ground blessing and a closing.