Powwow Times International is bringing a powwow to Sylvan Lake from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20.
For the past three years, the powwow has been held in Red Deer, this year it is taking place in Sylvan Lake at the NexSource Centre, Powwow times creator Partick Mitsuing said.
For the three-day powwow, planning has been taking place throughout the year, he added.
"We have a year of planning but it gets pretty hectic three months leading up to the event."
Each day during the powwow dancers will be competing in the seven different styles of dance, Mitsuing said.
"The competition is separated by age category so different age groups will dance against each other in the same styles of dance. Then at the end of the event, we tabulate all the points to see who comes in first, second, third, and fourth as there are cash prizes given to the dancers at the end who come out on top."
Powwow dancers come from all over the U.S. and Canada to take part, he added.
It isn't just dancers that come from across Canada and different countries.
"We have spectators as well that come from overseas to attend. Over the years, we have had people coming from England, Germany, and all kinds of places. It is an international event so there are people coming from everywhere, Mitsuing said.
To attend the event there are different costs, a three-day weekend pass is $25, a day pass for someone over the age of seven is $15, a day pass for someone over the age of 55 is $5, and for children under the age of seven it is free.
People in attendance will also be able to take in things other than the competition itself, Mitsuing said.
"There will be Indigenous food and an Indigenous market with over 30 vendors."
The powwow will probably be one of the biggest events ever in Sylvan, he added.
"There will be tons of world-class singers, world-class dancers, and tourists. As well, every year, this event brings millions of dollars in economic interest, so businesses should be prepared for lots of customers."
For community members, this event will be a unique opportunity to go and see, Mitsuing said.
"Many people in Sylvan Lake have probably never even been to a powwow before, so this will possibly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people here."
The powwow is set to kick off on Friday at 7 p.m.
"It is recommended to come early for parking and seating," Mitsuing said.
More information on the event, including the powwow schedule, can be found on the website, pwtpowwow.com.
