New Mexico Powwows Reviewed

Gathering of Nations, Albuquerque, NM, April

Organizers call this the world's largest powwow. Press releases claim over three thousand dancers and singers. This may or may not be true. It looks like the same number of dancers as at the Denver March Powwow but in a smaller arena. Dancers come from all over the USA and Canada for this and so do the vendors. This event is very commercial and very crowded, but it is an enjoyable experience if you're prepared. The line to get in gets long very early. If you want your choice of seating, get there early. Only a couple of sections have seats with seatbacks. The rest are benches. Although you may be tempted to sit close to the arena so you can see better, the entrance, bathrooms, vendors, and water fountains are up at the top. The hike to the top of the stairs is not a fun one so choose your seats carefully. Drinks are expensive and so is most of the food. Bring in a cooler of water, pop, and sandwiches to keep you going. Bring blankets or sheets to save your seats when you're running around. It pays off to buy a two day pass. One day tickets only let you in once. You can't leave to get something from your car unless you want to buy another ticket to get back in. Before the powwow and during dinner breaks there are performances by different Native American performers. A digital message board will keep you entertained with interesting trivia facts and information all day. Grand entry is unique. Eagle stafff bearers, golden age, tiny tots, and Miss Indian World contestants enter at one end of the floor. Then they are joined by dancers coming down the stairs on the four sides of the arena, separated by style of dance. It goes fairly quickly but really packs them into the arena floor. Saturday night they add six drums in a line in the middle of the floor who sing a special song. This makes dance space even tighter. Not recommended for your favorite bustles. Youth competitions are taken care of in the afternoon sessions, allowing them to be excused early in the evening. Organizers are pretty good at keeping things running on schedule. Gathering has compensated for the large numbers of competitors by having 11 judges for each competition. One judge is chosen from each of ten different regions and one non-native judge is chosen. This eliminates regional favoritism and allows all dancers to be seen. The atmosphere is very friendly. Some of the best drums are invited to play here. Vendor prices are geared toward the tourists who come to see the "show." Some unique items for sale and different organizations with information for Natives. Reserve your hotel rooms early.

http://www.gatheringofnations.com