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USK – Two time-honored events return to the Pend Oreille River Valley this week, starting with the 49th Annual Kalispel Tribe Pow-Wow Friday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 2 in Usk. The Annual Newport Rough Stock Rodeo comes to the Newport Rodeo Arena Saturday, Aug. 1.
The Pow-Wow honors the traditions and culture of the Kalispel people and welcomes visitors from near and far. The weekend kicks off with Campers’ Night on Thursday, July 30, featuring a community dinner, a memorial for lost loved ones, time to set up camp and InterTribal dancing. Friday, a group of paddlers will return to the Pow-Wow Grounds after their multiple-day canoe journey, where they will be welcomed with prayers, singing and drumming. A highlight of the weekend is the Buffalo BBQ on Saturday, which generally serves more than 250 people and requires days of preparation. The Buffalo Fun Run also takes place, encouraging community health and fitness.
Dancing is central to Pow-Wow, with more than 30 categories including traditional, fancy, jingle and grass. There will be multiple contest rounds, InterTribal dancing and Tiny Tot performances, along with a six-round Drum Contest highlighting rhythm and harmony.
The weekend features a softball tournament showcasing teamwork and sportsmanship. Stick Game brings individuals together to compete in the Main, 3-Man and Youth tournaments for friendly competition and engagement.
Families and individuals are invited to this free event, and respectful photography of dancers and singers is appreciated. To ensure a safe environment, no drugs or alcohol are permitted. The celebration will begin when the first Grand Entry starts at 7 p.m. July 31 and will conclude Aug. 2 around 7:30 p.m. after the announcement of contest winners. There will be two more Grand Entries Aug. 1, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a fourth Grand Entry at 1 p.m. Aug. 2.
For more information, visit www. kalispeltribe.com.
Last, but certainly not least, bucking horses and bulls will entertain the audience at the Newport Rough Stock Rodeo Saturday, Aug. 1. Featuring just the bucking events – known in rodeo lingo as the Rough Stock – spectators will see some of the best riders in the Northwest competing in barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and the ranch bronc riding. The fun starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the event are available on the Newport Rodeo website, newportrodeo. com. Rodeo tickets sold through third-party sellers may not be accepted at the event; rodeoticket. com is the only official ticket supplier of the Newport Rodeo.
