I am currently sitting in a teepee, eating rabbit stew and wrapped in a soft blanket made out of deer hide. I hear the soothing sound of a flute player in the distance. People start to form a circle, watching in amazement. As dusk approaches, the sky turns a pretty shade of mauve. Outside, everyone closes their eyes and begins to sway their delicate bodies to the soft rhythm of the flute player. I eat the last of my rabbit stew and grab the oil lamp sitting by my side to join them.

The Great Mohican Pow-Wow has introduced people of all ages to the joys of festive Native American dance, unique culture, and rich history for the past 30 years. Robbi Swift, the vendor coordinator, has gone to the Pow-Wow year after year, and loved every minute of it. She was so fascinated by the tribes and all of the activities held, that she decided to take her children and get them involved in Pow-Wow dancing as well.

“A Pow-Wow is a social gathering of Native American people; what [individuals] will see is a of a whole bunch of different tribes,” said Swift. “They will see the native [tribes] dance in what is called, “Pow-Wow outfits.”

The Pow-Wow is not just one’s average music or food festival. Here, one will have the opportunity to get a closer look at various Native American tribes all while celebrating heritage, forming long-lasting friendships, visiting dozens of creative vendors, and making long-lasting memories.

To start off the events for the evening, all individuals will enter into the arena, welcoming all of the tribes while men and women dancers will begin. Then, the eagle staff and a small group of veterans will carry out multiple flags. Swift acknowledged another very important and meaningful tradition to the Native American tribes.

“[Everyone] will listen to the opening prayer; a lot of times, that is done by the speaker of the native language,” said Swift. “They will be hearing different dialects- it could be anything from Sioux to Navajos. They usually find an elder to give the opening prayer.”

During the Pow-Wow, one will have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and try authentic Native American foods, such as: warm fried bread, spicy tacos, tasty corn soup, and healthy bison burgers.

Visitors also have the opportunity to relax and listen to a native storyteller recite tales that have been handed down from generation-to-generation.

If one wants to engage in something a little dangerous and get their heart pumping, they can watch a man throw axes or cheer on those performing at the drum competitions. One can even watch a hoop artist dance simultaneously with an astounding 16 to 20 hoops in hand.

Each of the 4 craft vendors have tents containing something different that is sure to leave people in awe. The tents include blankets, dream-catchers, handmade jewelry and accessories, clothing, and antler-carvings, among a variety of other unique finds.

“This is one of the last Pow-Wow [events] in the area,” said Swift. “It is not often that you get to see Native American people wearing their Pow-Wow clothes, dancing and singing to their music, [being able to] walk and see how the crafts are made, including [everything from] the pottery to the jewelry.”

Swift divulged what she is ultimately most looking forward to at this event.

“I am excited for the dancing,” said Swift. “That is the most wonderful thing that you can watch; to see people be proud of who they are, especially the children.”

The event is taking place on September 16-18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mohican Reservation Campground in Loudonville, OH. Tickets are $8 for adults and children ages 6-12 are $4.

For more information, visit  http://www.mohicanpowwow.com/index.php.