Pow Wow
Annual Thanksgiving Pow Pow
Established in 1971, this annual Thanksgiving event draws approximately 16,000 people each year.
This year marks a milestone for the Poarch Creek Indians as the Tribe celebrates the 50th year of its Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow!
Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow
Celebrating 50 years
When:
November 24 – 25, 2022
Where:
6477 Jack Springs Road
Atmore, AL 36502
GENERAL ADMISSION $5
Children ages 6 & under are free.
Gates open at 10am.
No pets, drugs, alcohol, weapons, or ice chests.
Schedule
Hosts
HOST NORTHERN DRUM: THE BOYZ
LOCAL HOST DRUM: MEDICINE TAIL
HOST SOUTHERN DRUM: SOUTHERN STYLE
EMCEE: JUAQUIN HAMILTON
ARENA DIRECTOR: DUDE BLALOCK
HEAD DRUM JUDGE: ALEX ALVAREZ
HEAD DANCE JUDGE: THOMAS ROLIN
Specials for 2022
Men’s Traditional
In Memory of Judge Rolin
18 and up
Sponsored by Thomas Rolin and Family
Old Style Grass Special
In Memory of Jack Bailey
18 and up
Sponsored by the Bailey Family
The Zamora Family Women’s Traditional
All ages welcome
Sponsored by the Zamora Family
5K Turkey Trot
Registration: 6:00 am
Race: 7:00 – 9:00 am
Contact: 251.368.9136 ext. 2253
OVER $125,000 IN PRIZE MONEY
GOLDEN AGES 55+
Men’s: Northern Traditional / Straight / Fancy / Grass
Women’s: Northern Traditional / Southern Traditional / Jingle / Fancy
1st $1,000 | 2nd $800 | 3rd $600 | 4th $400 | 5th $200
SENIOR ADULTS AGES 35-54
Men’s: Northern Traditional / Straight / Fancy / Grass / Chicken
Women’s: Northern Traditional / Southern Cloth / Southern Buckskin / Jingle / Fancy
1st $1.000 | 2nd $800 | 3rd $600 | 4th $400 | 5th $200
JUNIOR ADULTS AGES 18-34
Men’s: Northern Traditional / Straight / Fancy / Grass / Chicken
Women’s: Northern Traditional / Southern Cloth / Southern Buckskin / Jingle / Fancy
1st $1,000 | 2nd $800 | 3rd $600 | 4th $400 | 5th $200
TEENS AGES 13-17
Boy’s: Northern Traditional / Straight / Fancy / Grass
Girl’s: Northern Traditional / Southern Traditional / Jingle / Fancy
1st $400 | 2nd $300 | 3rd $200 | 4th $100
JUNIORS AGES 7-12
Boy’s: Northern Traditional / Straight / Fancy / Grass
Girl’s: Traditional / Jingle / Fancy
1st $150 | 2nd $100 | 3rd $75 | 4th $25
TINY TOTS AGES 0-6
Day Money
DRUM CONTEST 8 SINGER MINIMUM
Northern / Southern Combined
1st $12,000 | 2nd $10,000 | 3rd $8,000 |
4th $6,000 | 5th $4,000 | 6th $2,000 | 7th $1,000
POARCH CREEK PRINCESS CONTEST
November 24 | 11:30am
History of the Poarch Creek Indians’ Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow
In 1971, the first Poarch Creek Thanksgiving Pow Wow originated to celebrate the homecoming of Tribal Members. Their Tribe descended from the original Creek Nation. But unlike many of the Creek Tribes and others in the southeast, the Poarch Creeks were able to avoid being removed from the original land they’ve inhabited for thousands of years. The Poarch Creeks have shown their appreciation for their preservation over the years and rejoiced their beautiful cultural roots by holding their Pow Wow each year. Their tradition represents around 20 tribal nations with their dance competition.
In the 1980s, the Poarch Creeks welcomed all Tribes and local citizens to experience their traditions with a two-day festival on Thanksgiving and the day after on the same original Tribal land. Since then, the festival has become a significant event that brings together a diverse group of Tribes and Alabamian citizens for a wholesome weekend of cultural appreciation and family-friendly fun.
Festivities at the Annual Pow Wow
The main events of the Pow Wow consist of crowning the Poarch Creek Indian Princesses. Tribe Members perform indigenous ancestral dance performances in authentic dress to celebrate their roots and educate visitors on the true history of their Tribe. The dance competitions have four age categories and respective male and female divisions.
Besides the main performances, visitors can shop various vendor booths for unique crafts and goods. You can also find hefty plates of delicious barbeque, oak wood fire-roasted corn, and buffalo burgers. Local churches contribute to the festivities by holding a potluck with ham, fried chicken, turkey, and dressing dishes.
LOCAL ACCOMODATIONS
Wind Creek Atmore Casino & Hotel 866.946.3360
Wind Creek RV Park 866.946.3360
Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve Campgounds251.446.3432
Holiday Inn Express 251.368.1585
Fairfield Inn & Suites 251.368.1188
Hampton Inn 251.368.9090
2019 Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow Pictures
