Colorado Powwows Reviewed

Denver March Powwow, Denver, CO, March

Link to Denver March Powwow website

Very large powwow. Draws in big crowds. There were about 2000 people involved in the Saturday night Grand Entry in March 2000. Held in a large building with plenty of seating. Lots of vendors, many with good prices. Food is expensive but you can bring your own in. Incredibly organized Grand Entry. Great special contests. Judges are selected from the crowd, but there aren't enough judges to watch the large number of competitors. Except for in Girls' Fancy, Junior categories weren't split up to allow better judging. They need to give the juniors the same consideration they give the teens and adults. Payouts are okay for adults and teens, but juniors only get $25 for first place. Many smaller powwows award better than that. Many were disappointed in 2000 when the Tiny Tot Special promoted on flyers and posters turned out to be for Grass Dance only. Judging in that contest also disappointed some since some winners were picked because they were cute toddlers and not for their ability to dance. Between high parking prices and admission, this is an expensive event. The biggest complaint seems to be that the powwow made people purchase a permit if they wanted to videotape. The permit was $30 - too expensive for parents videotaping their children. Adults were often excused and allowed to change before the teens and juniors. Overall, children seem to be treated as an afterthought. 72 drums came in 2000 and dancers came from all over the country and Canada to give this powwow great variety.