By By Janet Little Cooper
Thanksgiving was celebrated by many at this year's 35th Annual Poarch Creek Indians Thanksgiving and Intertribal Pow – Wow.
In past years, the festivities spanned over a course of three days. This was only the second year the tribe compacted the popular event into one day.
"It worked out well for us so we're going to continue it as a one-day event," Poarch Creek Indians community relations director Sharon Delmar said.
The tribe hosted more than a thousand visitors and nearly a 100 arts, crafts and food vendors.
"We come here every year," Ludy Vangilder said. "We come even if it is bad weather", added her husband, Bob.
The couple was one of many vendors set up at Thursday's event selling a wide selection of crafts and pottery items.
The tribal dancers and intertribal dance competitions highlighted the day as crowds gathered around the dance arena for a closer look.
"We had tribes visiting from all over the country this year," Delmar said. "One special highlight this year is the Aztec dancers dancing."
The Philadelphia Choctaw Tri-Community Dancers, the Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers, and the Aztec Dancers entertained festivalgoers. The Grand-Entry, Intertribal Dance and Dance Competition was held in early afternoon and then again at 6 p.m.
The Princess contest took place at the opening ceremonies at noon with an elementary, junior and senior princess being crowned. Elementary contestants include, Hannah Gibson, Toni Gibson, Elizabeth Mitchell, Kortlan Peebles and Kaitlin Rolin. Junior contestants include, Shawna Montgomery, Kimberly Rolin, Laura Sells, Brooke Tullis and Taylor Wiggins. Senior contestants include, Kaci Martin and Kim McGhee. (See the Wednesday Advance for winners.)
"Of course the crowning of the Poarch Creek princess is always a big highlight," Delmar said.
The pig chase, turkey shoot and other games and activities will also available all day.
The weather was ideal for a successful pow-wow this year, with moderate temperatures and pleasant skies for spectators as they crowded around the many booths and gathered to watch the dancers.