The city’s annual Pow Wow is set for this Saturday, April 13
Photos courtesy of the Radford Visitor’s Center – Kevin Locke (Tokaheya Inajin in Lakota translation “First to Rise”),who is a world famous visionary Hoop Dancer, preeminent player of the Indigenous Northern Plains flute, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator, will be the featured performer at Saturday’s annual Pow Wow, held in Bisset Park.
RADFORD – Each year, Bisset Park becomes the scene of a celebration of American Indian dance, culture, music, ceremonies and more as the Radford Visitor’s Center hosts an annual Pow Wow.
The riverside park is an appropriate place for such an event since the park was used by America’s first inhabitants more than 400 years ago.
“The park is a natural backdrop for the event because when it was being excavated, Native American artifacts were found that dated back some 400-plus years and this festival aims to honor that heritage,” writes Radford Tourism Director Deborah Cooney.
“This year promises to delight the audience with Kevin Locke (Tokaheya Inajin in Lakota translation “First to Rise”),” Cooney continues. “KevinLocke.com describes him as a world famous visionary Hoop Dancer, preeminent player of the Indigenous Northern Plains flute, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator.”
This year’s Pow Wow will also feature Aztec dancers, Native Americans in full regalia, Medicine Scout as Host Drum, and craft and food vendors with authentic merchandise reflecting the cultural heritage of the different tribes of Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.
Dancers in full regalia are welcome to participate in a $250 Luck of the Draw.
Gates will open at 11 a.m.
“At noon, there will be a Grand Entry procession of many tribal affiliations, head dancers, elders and children,” explains Cooney. “Master of Ceremonies, Lowery Begay, will direct the activities in the arena and will explain the symbolism, protocol and spiritual meanings of the dances, Regalia and drums to the spectators. Kevin Locke will perform at 1 p.m. and the Aztec Dancers will perform throughout the day.”
Admission prices for the Festival are $5 for adults and $3 for youth and veterans. The festival will be held rain or shine. Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Bisset Park is located on West Main Street at 23 Berkely Williams Drive in Radford, VA.
Also, on Sunday, April 14, the Pulaski Theatre will host a special show at 3 p.m. featuring Kevin Locke and his “Hoop of Life Presentation,” a live show that will feature his hoop dancing, flute playing and storytelling. The Pulaski Theatre is located at 14 West Main Street in Pulaski and advance tickets are on sale for $10 at Martin’s Pharmacy, Upstairs Downstairs Boutique and the Pulaski Visitor’s Center or are available at the door for $15. Ticket sales from this special performance will benefit the American Evolution 2019 Candle on Every Table Thanksgiving event.
The events are being sponsored by the Radford Visitor’s Center. More information is available at www.VisitRadford.com or by calling 540-267-3153.
