Utah Powwows Reviewed

Utah State University Powwow, Logan, UT, March

Held in the USU fieldhouse. Some bleachers set up but nicer to bring your own chairs. Not a large event, but very friendly and welcoming. No admission fee. There were about a dozen vendors in 2000. Judges are pulled from the crowd, but seems to be fair. Contest money is nice for a small powwow. Teen champions get a one-year scholarship to the university along with their prize money. Those who return year after year like it for its friendly and family-like atmosphere.

Weber State University Powwow, Ogden, UT, March

One day powwow held on a Saturday. Contests for adults only. Small event with a social atmosphere. Only a few vendors. Food prices were reasonable. The building can be hard to find, so ask for directions. Not necessary to bring your own chairs.

Southern Utah University Powwow, Cedar City, UT, March/April

Small powwow held in the student union ballroom. Admission is charged for each session. Just a handful of vendors. The frybread and Navajo tacos are affordable. Judges are chosen from the crowd and people have reported very biased judging in the adult categories. At least one judge reported being shocked that the winner was related to the staff but was helpless to do anything about it. Some people who've attended in previous years will not return because the judging is unfair. The powwow arranges good rates at some local motels. Fun contests were held in 2000 to get the spectators involved.

Harold A. Cedartree Memorial Powwow(Brigham Young University), Provo, UT, March

This was a two day powwow. Contesting started Friday and was straight to the point. The judges were chosen from the crowd but the judging system was very fair. Judging scoresheets described what to look for and scored them 1-10. Comment from someone who has judged many contests is that it was the best scoring system they'd seen. The powwow was well organized and had a good payout. Contesting started at 10 a.m. on Saturday so the kids were done and excused early in the day. Entrance fee was reasonable. Tacos for sale weren't great but other food was available at the cafeteria. This one is a favorite with many locals and alumni.

Heber Valley Intertribal Pow wow, Heber City, UT, June

The 2000 powwow moved from the dusty fairgrounds to a nearby grassy park. The grass caused the committee to limit traffic in and out of the camping area. They were going to charge for camping but decided not to. A very popular 5K run is held on Saturday morning. There is a small admission charge to enter the powwow and the prize money is okay for this area. There are plenty of vendors. There is some public seating, but you should bring your own chairs. Canopies are also recommended for the heat, but the committee restricts them to only one side of the arena. Great family atmosphere. Kids categories are taken care of early. "Specials" are limited, so there aren't too many dull parts. The atmosphere seems to depend on the MC. This year the MC wouldn't stop talking and you couldn't really listen to the music without having him interrupt. The same people usually return each year. A great way to start the outdoor powwow season.

July 4th Pow wow, Fort Duchesne, UT, July

This has always been a big event and attracts a lot of out-of-state dancers. Because of its popularity many people decide to hold specials there. The large number of specials does keep some people away because it takes up most of the dancing time one or two of the nights. But it also creates a home-like feel that keeps the regulars coming back each year. Ther is camping with access to portable toilets and water. If you decide to stay in a motel then reserve one in Roosevelt which is closer than Vernal, another nearby city. Stores are located nearby. The atmosphere was very family oriented and ther were a lot of feasts. There is no admission fee. A lot of Indian tacos for sale but not a good variety of other food. It was very hot, so bring lots of water and sunscreen. If you decide to build a shade house for your family then there is a week or two before the event when you can actually go there and build it. There is shade built in a circle around the arena and the arena has grass on it. Very well organized. There are a few bleachers, but bring your own chairs. There is a parade on Saturday and you can score points for your dance competition so bring something to decorate your vehicles. Pay out was good. Children were not kept up too late and they ended around 11 each night. Really inexpensive powwow, but they do need to clean out their outhouses.

West Valley City Contest Powwow, West Valley City, UT, August

Somewhat small event, but well organized for being only its second year. It is located in a city park, so the only ones allowed to camp were the vendors. There were discount rates arranged by the powwow staff at some nearby motels though. Admission fees for everyone were reasonable. Dancers and drummers paid a discounted fee that covered the entire weekend. The food was good and reasonably priced. A grocery store and some fast food places nearby provide other options. Vendors were okay but mostly spectator oriented. There were a couple of play areas for the kids and the powwow grounds were enclosed by fences so it was safe. Security was available as well as a Red Cross first-aid station. This powwow is unique for offering performances by other cultural groups. This year (2000) they had a Mexican group and an African group as well as some Hopi Buffalo dancers brought in from Arizona. The staff is very friendly and willing to answer questions. Canopies are welcomed but only allowed on one side of the arena unless you are a drum group. The dancers continue to return because they like the good atmosphere and the way they were treated. Prize money is good. Judges mostly picked from among the dancers and some spectators.