MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians will host their annual Powwow on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Santee Canal Park. The event, which is open to the public, will include drumming, dancing, singing and other celebrations of Native American culture.
Admission for the event is $10. Children under six years old, and adults 65 and over, will receive free admission. This is a family event, and no outside food or drinks are permitted. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own chairs. The event is being sponsored in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Powwow will feature two drum groups: Bad Boyz and Warpaint Singers. Kaya Littleturtle will serve as the master of ceremonies, while Tony Clark will be the arena director. The dance competitions will be led by Head Man Michael Muckelvaney and Head Lady Sierra Russell. Event activities include:
- More than 40 vendors offering a wide variety of educational demonstrations, crafts and food, including Indian tacos from Lowcountry Frybread.
- Children’s area with face painting, sweets, mobile gaming and jump castles. Charlie the River Dog, mascot of the Charleston RiverDogs, will be making an appearance from 11 a.m. to noon.
- Marsh Tacky horse exhibition by tribal member John Speissegger. He will be educating the public about the breed, showcasing two horses and discussing how these horses tie into tribal history. He will also be providing rides.
- Nancy Basket, award winning basket maker and storyteller, will be demonstrating her Kudzu Basketry and Art.
- Keith “Little Bear” Brown, Master Catawba Potter and storyteller, will be demonstrating Native American pottery traditions.
- Candace Richardson, an inspiring author and advocate for preserving and promoting the Cherokee language and culture, will be a featured artist showcasing her children’s books.
- Cathy Nelson will also be a featured artist, playing Native American songs on the flute between 11 a.m. and noon.
- Grand Entry will take place at noon, featuring the leaders of the tribes from across the state.
- Also featured will be a temporary Catawba Pottery exhibit inside the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center, which will be on loan from USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center.
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