Osage River Pow Wow
Many people are familiar with the annual Eldon, Missouri Turkey Festival, an event that has been a highlight among regional activities for a quarter century. Not quite as many know of the Osage River Pow Wow, an annual Inter-Tribal event that will be held for the 10th time in June 2010 at Miller County Fairgrounds in Eldon.
In a sentence, this is an opportunity for individuals and groups to both offer and enjoy Native American crafts, food, drum and dance skills. Similar Pow Wows are held elsewhere in the United States, all with similar etiquette guidelines. A Master of Ceremonies guides and directs all activity. Certain songs, such as Inter-Tribal and Two Steps admit those not wearing traditional regalia. No one but dancers and officials are allowed in the dance circle.
For those unfamiliar with this type of event, the overall atmosphere is guided by Ten Indian Commandments. Some of the key commandments are "Remain close to the Great Spirit," "Show great respect for your fellow beings" and "Take responsibility for your actions."
The Osage River Pow Wow has a primary sponsor in the Circle of the Red Road. (More information is available at (573) 369-2710. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and continues to 10 p.m. Saturday activities run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday events begin at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Adult admission is $3.
DIRECTIONS: Hwy 52 and Bus. 54 exit, turn east towards Eldon. Go past Walmart and turn right on Eighth Street - next to a flower shop called "This Bud's For You.On eighth street you will see the Vendor entrance for the Osage River Pow Wow is on Eighth Street. Public entrance - go to the stop sign and follow the signs around the block. Camping is available for dancers - limited electricity.
Information from the University of Arkansas at www.uark.edu, states, "The Osage Indians lived along the Osage and Missouri rivers in what is now western Missouri when French explorers first heard of them in 1673. A semi-nomadic people with a life-way based on hunting, foraging, and gardening, the seasonal movements of the Osage brought them annually into northwestern Arkansas throughout the 18th century."
Additional information about the Osage Nation is available at www.osagetribe.com. Events such as the Osage River Pow Wow in Eldon can be a good introduction to the traditions of Native Americans for whom the regional river is named.
