The Wilson County Fairgrounds came alive Sept. 26-27 as the annual WilCo Pow Wow celebrated Native American culture, history, and traditions.
The event featured music, dancing, storytelling, Native American food, arts and crafts, and a competition pow wow. Visitors also participated in intertribal dancing and had opportunities to learn more about Native American traditions.
For more than four decades, the WilCo Pow Wow has brought people together while educating the community about Native American culture. Founded by Don Yahola, the event has continued as a family tradition across multiple generations. Today, Yahola’s daughter, Cindy, and granddaughter, Aspen, host the annual gathering.
Cindy Yahola took over organizing the event after her father died in 2002 and has carried on the tradition for more than two decades.
“My father was the organizer, and the week before he passed, he asked me to keep this going for him,” Yahola said. “This is my 24th year doing this as an organizer, but I have been helping nearly all of my life.”
This year’s event drew a large crowd and featured competition dancing and a drumming contest, Yahola said. Nearly 100 dancers representing about 50 tribes participated in the dance competition.
For the first time, the pow wow also welcomed additional cultural demonstrators, including a Cree woman from Saskatchewan who presented a living-history exhibit.
“She was wonderful, and everyone enjoyed her,” Yahola said.
Yahola said the event was a success, with many first-time attendees expressing interest in returning next year.
“Overall, I think the event was spectacular,” Yahola said. “Everybody seemed to enjoy it and have fun. We also welcomed quite a few people for the first time. They shared with us that they would be back next year.” GN
Planning is already underway for the 2027 WilCo Pow Wow, scheduled for Sept. 25-26. To learn more and receive event updates, visit wilcopowwow.com.
