Arts and Entertainment

Popular powwow seeks volunteers to support event

The New Faces of an Ancient People Traditional American Indian Powwow, scheduled for April 2-3, ranks as one of the finest events of its kind in the nation. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

An annual Penn State event that ranks as one of the finest of its kind, the traditional American Indian Powwow each spring, needs volunteers to support many aspects of the two-day gathering.

The powwow -- scheduled Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3, at Mount Nittany Middle School in State College -- is free and open to the public. The family friendly event has earned a national reputation as one of the best events of its kind, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Members of the powwow committee are seeking volunteers to assist with the logistical aspects of the event. Volunteers are needed for setup, work in the American Indian kitchen, support for errands/supplies/facilities, take down efforts and various other duties.

Organizers are asking volunteers to spend four-hour blocks of time at the powwow in the volunteer roles.

Interested volunteers may add their name to the list by emailing volunteer coordinator Bruce Teeple (mongopawn44@hotmail.com). A volunteer orientation meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 27, in 104 Rackley Building on the University Park campus. 

The powwow is a contemporary social gathering and celebration of community featuring American Indian drum music and songs, Native-American dance and Native-American foods, as well as American Indian vendors showing and selling their arts and crafts. Volunteers will be able to take advantage of the event from a unique perspective.

More information about the powwow may be found at powwow.psu.edu online.

Last Updated June 2, 2021