Representatives from tribes across the country drum for the 2016 Pow Wow & Cultural Festival dancers. Only full-blooded Native Americans can wear tribal regalia.
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO
All things Native American…
The 2016 Pow Wow & Cultural Festival drew about 5,500 visitors to RedHawk Ranch in Wimauma, more than doubling last year’s crowd of 2,000. Despite a few growing pains, the two-year-old festival is well on its way to gaining national recognition among Native Americans across the country, organizers said.
“We couldn’t be happier,” said Brenda Hoshaw, who co-owns the ranch with her husband, Bud. “We had beautiful weather and a wonderful turnout. The vendors all said they loved it here and wanted to return, and the dancers told us they’ll be spreading the word to bring more dancers next year.”
The couple are already planning next year’s pow wow, including the addition of continuous entertainment.
“We will have constant music and dancing for next year’s visitors,” Hoshaw said.
Lois Kindle
