18th Annual Pechanga Pow Wow Kicks Off Friday

Families, spectators and tribal participants from across North America will descend on the festival grounds at Pechanga Resort and Casino for the 18th Annual Pechanga Pow Wow Friday, June 28 through Sunday, June 30.

The Pechanga Pow Wow is one of the largest in the United States, often drawing 60,000 people to Temecula. It offers a free, cultural event for all ages.

Each year on the Saturday night of the Pow Wow, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians also puts on a free fireworks show that equals those of the top amusement parks and sports stadiums.

New this year since the Pow Wow comes earlier than the Fourth of July weekend is an additional, free fireworks extravaganza on Saturday, July 6. Both the June 29 and July 6 pyrotechnics shows will be staged from the Pow Wow grounds and will begin after dusk.

The Pow Wow is regarded as one of the best chances in the entire country to see the top and most talented Native American dancers, drummers, bird singers and native American notables such as actor Saginaw Grant, appearing in the new “Lone Ranger” movie with Johnny Depp and in AMC’s “Breaking Bad.”

Native drum and peon contests bring out the participants’ competitive spirit as they vie for their share of $80,000 in prizes money. Many spectators say some of the show’s most impressive dancing and drumming happens at the beginning of each day with the Grand Entry. Audiences are treated to an unrivaled display of color, song and culture throughout the Pow Wow. Thomas Phillips of the Kiowa/Creek tribe serves as this year’s Pechanga Pow Wow Master of Ceremonies.

Performers’ ages ranges from 2 to 80. In addition to the performances, the Pechanga Pow Wow features more than 200 vendors selling native arts, crafts, foods and more.

The public is invited to bring low-backed lawn chairs and blankets to view both fireworks shows happening at the Pechanga pow wow grounds. The Pow Wow performances feature bleacher seating for spectators. Free parking is also available throughout the Pechanga Resort and Casino premises and complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the event site.

For more information on the 18th Annual Pechanga Pow Wow, call 951-770-4769 or visit www.Pechanga.com<http://www.pechanga.com/>.

Pow Wow Schedule of Events:

Friday, June 28
5pm                       Gourd Dance
6pm                       Grand entry
Invocation – Flag Song
Placing of the Colors
11pm                     Retire the Colors

Saturday, June 29
11am                     Gourd Dance
12pm                     Grand Entry
Invocation – Flag Song
Placing of the Colors
5pm                       Dinner Break
6pm                       Gourd Dance
7pm                       Grand Entry
Invocation – Flag Song
Placing of the Colors
Dusk                      Fireworks
9:30pm                 Peon Games
12am                     Retire the Colors

Sunday, June 30
11am                     Gourd Dance
12pm                     Grand Entry
                             Invocation – Flag Song
                             Placing of the Colors
4:30pm                 Retire the Colors
5pm                      Awards

Saturday, July 6
Dusk                      Fireworks (in celebration of Fourth of July)