Drummers, dancers to compete at powwow

GRAND RONDE — More than $35,000 in dancing prizes and $20,000 in drumming prizes will be handed out during the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s annual Contest Powwow, scheduled to run Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16.

The competition will be held on the tribe's Uyxat Powwow Grounds, just north of the junction of Highways 18 and 22 at 9600 Highway 22.

One of the largest annual powwows held in the Pacific Northwest, it attracted more than 260 dancers in some 20 categories last year.

New this year is a drum contest. The tribe is planning to award $8,000 for first place, $5,000 for second, $3,000 for third and $2,000 for fourth, along with a pair of $1,000 consolation prizes.

Registration begins at 5 p.m. Friday. The first Grand Entry follows at 7.

The Saturday doing will open at 10 a.m. with a parade, to make its way between Fort Yamhill State Park and the powwow grounds. It will feature cash prices for selected entries as well.

Additional grand entries are slated for 1 and 7 p.m. Saturdy and 1 p.m. Sunday. The honorary host drum will be Bad Soul, the master of ceremonies Fred Hill, the head judge Charles Tailfeathers, the drum judge Sidrick Baker Jr. and the arena director Fred Ike Jr.

Camping spots on the powwow grounds are $5, which includes a parking pass. Parking is $1 a day or a donation of canned food. Weekend passes are available for $3.

Shuttle service will be provided from the Spirit Mountain Casino. Pets are now allowed on the grounds.