Four days of fun in the Fraser Valley

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"After the four days they will be all tuckered out and happy to leave us and go back home," said Bill Williams, head of the Mission powwow organizing commitee.

Visitors and participants will leave satisfied as the 25th annual Mission powwow in British Columbia's Fraser Valley has been extended to a four-day function. From July 4 to 9, visitors will enjoy the event amidst the view of the mountains and the mighty Fraser River on the historical grounds of the Fraser Regional Heritage Park.

"The people want more dancing. They never seem to get enough over the two-and-a-half days that we normally hold it here," said Williams.

With five years of experience in organizing for the annual event, Williams and the Mission Indian Friendship Centre powwow committee are receiving plenty of support from local businesses.

"There will be lots of gifts given away to travellers and Elders," said Williams. "We already have a lot of donations from different companies for our giveaways and prizes."

Pay-outs for the adult and golden age dance competitions will be $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, $1,000 for third, and $500 for fourth.

Teen dancers from ages 13 to 19 will compete for $1,000 for first place, $800 for second place, $500 for third, and $300 for fourth place.

Winners in the Junior competitions age six to 12 will receive $800 for first place, $600 for second, $400 for third, and $200 for fourth place.

Tiny tots will receive pay-outs of $10 on Friday and Sunday for their participation.

Competing drum groups will vie for $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, $1,000 for third, and $500 for fourth place winnings. American host drum Hay Stack and Canadian host drum McGilvery Singers will contribute their talent for the event.

Head judge Elmer Balentyne from the Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan and master of ceremonies Keith Lapatak from the Saddle Lake First Nation, Alta. will bring their years of experience to the celebration.

Admission for adults is $12 per day and $6 per day for children and seniors. Four-day adult passes will be available for $40 and $17 passes for children. Aboriginal Elders and children under seven years of age will attend free.

In addition, a princess pageant and 25-year princess reunion will take place. The organizing committee has also extended a multicultural invitation to encourage community unity and participation.

"We are hoping to have staged events for different ethnic cultures like East Indian, Chinese, and Philippines to show their traditional dance and culture," said Williams.

Grand entry will be held Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

"We are expecting a lot of people," said Williams.

For more information call (604) 826-1281 or email lorana@idmail.com.