National Powwow XVI Celebration Returns to Hendricks County, July 3-6

American Indian Tribal Dancing, Tipis, Music, Crafts to Provide Unique Cultural Experience

DANVILLE, IN (June 19, 2014) – Hendricks County will once again host one of the nation’s biggest events promoting awareness and education of the American Indian culture.

National Powwow XVI, which has been held every three years since its inception in 1969, returns to Danville July 3-6 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex. The four-day event introduces visitors to a cultural experience filled with traditional singing and dancers in full regalia, primitive skills demonstrations, a living history tipi village, ethnic foods, crafts, artisans, kids’ activities, bird shows and so much more.

“We are so glad to be back in Hendricks County again,” said Chris Bryant, festival organizer. “All of our participants raved about the facilities three years ago. They were truly second to none.”

The festival, which debuted in Danville in the summer of 2011 after previous stops in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Tipton, Ind., attracted more than 700 participants and 2,000 visitors to Hendricks County. Bryant said he hopes to see those numbers double this year with its return to the same location. Organizers also are expecting about 100 vendors at the event, whose wares will include American Indian jewelry, musical instruments, art and crafts.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m. daily. A full schedule of festivities continues throughout all four days, transforming the 110-acre fairgrounds into an American Indian experience with something of interest for everyone in the family. Participants will come from all over the country and even Canada to provide daily activities such as educational seminars focusing on tribal customs and history and various craft instruction. Highlights of the event include a special dance to honor Veterans on July 4, a parade and children’s powwow on July 5, daily Birds of Prey shows, a national craft contest, the crowning of the National Powwow princess and many other interactive activities designed to educate and entertain visitors.

“It’s a pleasure to have National Powwow returning to Hendricks County this year,” said Jaime Bohler Smith, executive director of Visit Hendricks County. “We are thrilled to host the thousands of visitors and participants who stay, eat, shop and dine in our communities while showcasing the unique educational and entertainment options of the event to our residents. This is one of those activities that not only leaves a lasting economic impact, but enhances the quality of life in our area as well.”

Admission is $5 daily for adults, $2 for children ages 5-12 while children under 5 get in free. Select groups can receive a special discounted $1 admission throughout the event. Those special days include:

• Thursday, July 3 – Seniors (age 50+).
• Friday, July 4 – Servicemen including Active Duty Military, Veterans, EMS, Police and Fire Services with identification.
• Saturday, July 5 – 4-H members.
• Sunday, July 6 – Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in uniform.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the National Powwow website at www.NationalPowwow.com.

The Hendricks County Tourism Commission d/b/a Visit Hendricks County attracts visitors to the county by promoting and developing tourism, which stimulates economic growth and enhances quality of life. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitHendricksCounty and become a fan for updates and reminders, contest info and much more. You can also follow us on Twitter @HendricksCounty or get updates by following or subscribing to our tourism blog at TourHendricksCounty.com/blog. For more information, visit our website at TourHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.