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[Audio] Trail of Tears Commission Hosts 28th Annual Powwow

Trail of Tears Commission Powwow
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It is a celebration as much as it is a memorial. With festive regalia flying and the warm scent of Indian fly bread floating through the air, the 28th Annual Trail of Tears Powwow will be held this weekend at the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park in Hopkinsville. Commissioner Peg Hayes speaks with Matt Markgraf on Sounds Good  to tell us more about the festivities. 

The powwow recognizes and remembers the forced removal of the Cherokee people who camped in Hopkinsville on the very site of what is now the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park. 

"We remember that, we honor that, and we also recognize that we never want to have a repeat of anything like that in our lifetime of America," Peg says. "At the same time, we're celebrating all things Native American, what a great life they have, who they've been and who they are today."

Peg says the powwow can be best described as a cross between an uprising and a rock concert. With doors opening at 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, the celebration is demonstrated through dancing, drumming, singing, storytelling, crafting and, of course, cooking. 

Peg describes Indian fry bread, the crowd favorite, as "the best thing you could ever eat when you're outdoors at a powwow. It's a great big heap of light, croissant-like bread."

Native American vendors will also have displays set up, offering their cultural jewelry, clothing, beadwork, artwork, leather, soaps and more. 

A dance competition, the showpiece of the powwow, will be held for all ages from "tiny tots to golden years."

Spectators will see very colorful, spectacular regalia and highly acrobatic, high-speed footwork. Every dancer will be competing for over $18,000 in prize money and will be entering the arena in full regalia during ceremonies taking place at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and at noon on Sunday. 

The celebration is the Park's sole annual fundraiser, with proceeds going towards park maintenance and expansion projects.  

"It's the only place I know of anywhere around that you get to have the Native American experience that this weekend brings when the gates open," Peg says. "With the generosity of information from all the Native Americans that come to powwow, it's just a variety of activities and information that you can get."

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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