The Mid-America All-Indian Center will host its 2nd annual Valentine’s Day Powwow from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at the Indian Center, 650 N. Seneca. Visitors can enjoy dancing by American Indians and take part themselves during audience participation and couples dances.

Powwows are American Indian celebrations of community and spirituality. Admission is free to the indoor event, but donations will be accepted to fund future powwows. The powwow is one of many events hosted by the Indian Center this year to celebrate Kansas’ rich heritage and its 150th birthday.

Gourd dancing will take place in the afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. During the dance, participants dance and shake gourds (rattles) to accompany the drum. Beginning at 6:45 p.m., a color guard will lead inter-tribal dancers – dressed in authentic powwow regalia – onto the dance floor in what is known as the “Grand Entry.” The evening’s dances will include the pageantry, singing, drumming and display of clothing commonly associate with powwows. This is also the time when the audience can get involved.

The powwow will feature Valentine’s Day-themed activities, food vendors and arts and crafts vendors. The Indian Center is also reducing its museum admission fee to $1 that day to give more people a chance to view exhibits and artifacts on display to gain a greater understanding of Kansas’ American Indian history. Contemporary powwows are a social event and a time to bridge the gap between the American Indian and non-American Indian worlds. For more information, call (316) 350-3340 or visit www.theindiancenter.org.

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