Nespelem Celebration powwow runs from July 7-10

NESPELEM – Those looking for a unique and colorful option to the July 4 festivities are encouraged to take in the four-day Nespelem Celebration from Thursday, July 7 through Sunday, July 10, at the parade grounds at Lower Columbia River Road and Highway 155.
The fun starts at 7 p.m. Thursday with Warm up Night. Dance contests get unde3rway at 7 p.m., Friday with categories for both adults and children. The dances continue on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Powwow contacts include Deeanna Whalawitsa-Beeson, 509-632-2265; Shelly Davis, 509-978-9867; and Angela Iukes, 509-978-9336.
Stick games will be featured from July 8-10 in the Powwow Circle with $75,000 in prize money. They begin with the First to Show Up Tournament, a $5,000 added single elimination on Friday night.
The main tournament on Saturday offers a $50,000 purse with payouts to fourth place beginning with $20,000 for first through $5,000 for fourth.
A youth tournament with a $5,000 purse paying to fourth place is open at no fee for youngsters 14 and under.
On Sunday, a Last to Leave Tournament promises a $10,000 purse paid to fourth place.
Fifty gas-gouging drawings of $100 each for tournament team will be divided into 15 for Friday, 20 for Saturday, and 15 for Sunday.
Stick game contacts include Darnell Sam, 509-634-0772; Shelley Dick, 509-634-1175; Jossie Dick, 509-634-1151; and Shondean Shorty, 509-634-1853.