The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow is a 2-day homecoming celebration of our rich cultural heritage with families, friends and neighbors.
Activities include dance contests for men and women, young and old, as well as a drum contest and the Poarch Creek Indian Princess Contest.
Visitors also enjoy unique crafts and goods for sale by local artisans and vendors, and we have festival favorite foods such as barbeque, oak wood fire-roasted corn, buffalo burgers, ham, and fried chicken. Looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner? We’ll be serving turkey and dressing dishes, too!
51st Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow
When:
November 23–24, 2023
Where:
6477 Jack Springs Road
Atmore, AL 36502
Admission:
$15 for both days, $10 for one day
6 and under free
Thursday, November 23
10 AM–Gates Open
10 AM–Activities on the Mound
Approx. 11 AM–Princess Contest
1 PM–Grand Entry
Friday, November 24
10 AM–Gates Open
12 PM–Grand Entry
No pets, drugs, alcohol, weapons, or ice chests.
HOST DRUMS
THE BOYZ
COZAD
MEDICINE TAIL
5K Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23
Registration: 6:00 am
Race: 7:00 – 9:00 am
Hosted by the PCI Recreation Department
Contact: 251.368.9136 ext. 2347
OVER $125,000 IN PRIZE MONEY*
PLATINUM AGES 70+
Men’s: All Categories
Women’s: All Categories
1st $1,000 | 2nd $800 | 3rd $600 | 4th $400 | 5th $200
GOLDEN AGES 50–69
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 35-49
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 / Fancy / Grass
Girl’s: Traditional / Jingle / Fancy
1st $200 | 2nd $150 | 3rd $100 | 4th $75
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
* More details about dance and drum competitions, drum hosts, specials, and prizes will be announced during the year.
POARCH CREEK PRINCESS CONTEST
November 23 | 11am
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 grown to welcome approximately 16,000 visitors for a wholesome weekend of cultural appreciation and family-friendly fun.
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
